Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has welcomed reports of the rescue of 360 people abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, while calling for renewed efforts to secure the release of other victims still being held by kidnappers and insurgents across the country.
Chronicle NG reports that the Nigerian military, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, successfully rescued 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a notorious terrorist enclave in the southern part of the state.
Boko Haram terrorists had attacked a military base in Ngoshe, burning operational vehicles, dispersing security forces, killing an unspecified number of people, and abducting several others.
In a statement on X on Monday, Atiku described the development as a relief for the victims and their families, who had endured months of uncertainty since the abduction occurred in March.
“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he said.
“Even as this brings to an end the ordeal of the abductees and the anguish of their loved ones since they were abducted in March, we are still faced with threats from terrorism and banditry attacks.”
The former Vice President applauded the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, saying their efforts made the successful rescue possible.
“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees,” he stated.
Atiku expressed faith that Nigeria’s armed forces could defeat insurgency if adequately equipped and supported by strong political leadership.
“I am confident that if provided with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the military will bring to an end the nearly two decades of insurgency,” he said.
However, he urged the government and security agencies not to relent in efforts to secure the freedom of other abducted Nigerians, including schoolchildren and teachers reportedly kidnapped in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa, Borno State.
“Even as we savour this rescue, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue nearly 100 school children and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State and all other Nigerians still in the custody of terrorists and bandits,” he said.
The former vice president also advocated for changes to Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing the need for more emphasis on intelligence gathering, technology, and preventive measures.
“More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and preemptive actions that nips in the bud terrorist and banditry attacks before they are carried out,” Atiku added.
