Breaking: 360 Abductees Freed In Borno — Atiku Reacts, Warns Of Ongoing Danger

The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has commended the rescue of 360 individuals abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, describing it as a major relief for the victims and their families.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

However, the former Vice President urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still held captive by terrorists and armed bandits across the country.

Reports indicated that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully rescued the 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist enclave in southern Borno State.

The victims were reportedly taken during a deadly Boko Haram attack on a military formation in Ngoshe. During the assault, the insurgents overran the base, destroyed operational vehicles, dispersed personnel, killed an unspecified number of people, and abducted several residents.

Reacting to the development in a post on his X handle on Monday, Atiku expressed satisfaction over the successful rescue operation and the return of the victims.

“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he said.

He noted that the operation had brought an end to months of anguish and uncertainty endured by the victims and their families since their abduction in March.

“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,” he added.

Atiku also praised the Nigerian military and other security agencies involved in the operation, stating that their coordinated efforts made the 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 said.

He expressed confidence that the Armed Forces could bring an end to insurgency if adequately supported with the right tools and leadership.

“I am confident that if provided with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the military will bring an end to the nearly two decades of insurgency,” he stated.

Call for Release of Other Kidnapped Victims

While welcoming the rescue, Atiku emphasized that many Nigerians remain in captivity and must not be forgotten. He called for urgent efforts to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as victims from Mussa community in Borno State and other affected areas.

“Even as we savour this success, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue nearly 100 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State, as well as all other Nigerians still in captivity,” he said.

Call for Security Reforms

Atiku also renewed his call for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing the need for stronger intelligence gathering, technological deployment, and proactive security measures.

He argued that the country must shift from reactive responses to preventive strategies capable of stopping attacks before they occur.

“More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and preemptive actions that nip terrorist and banditry attacks in the bud,” he said.

He concluded that while the rescue of the Ngoshe abductees marks a significant achievement, sustained efforts and strategic reforms are essential to ending terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in Nigeria.