Senator Ali Ndume has commended the Nigerian military, the Borno State Government, and other stakeholders for their roles in the rescue of over 400 captives from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, said the successful operation reflects improved synergy between security forces, local vigilantes, and government intelligence structures in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
He noted that most of the rescued persons were women and children who had been held captive by insurgents for several months.
“This rescue proves that when security agencies and communities work together, we can defeat terrorism,” he said.
The senator also called for immediate medical attention, psychosocial support, and reintegration programmes for the freed captives to help them recover from their ordeal and reintegrate into society.
He further urged sustained military pressure on insurgent hideouts in the Mandara Mountains to prevent future abductions and weaken remaining terrorist cells in the area.
Ndume recalled that the abduction occurred on March 3, 2026, when Boko Haram terrorists attacked Ngoshe community and a nearby military base in Gwoza LGA, unleashing violence and abducting civilians. He said while some victims were previously rescued in separate operations around the Mandara Mountains, the latest development marked a major breakthrough.
In a statement made available on Sunday, the senator expressed joy over the mass rescue and praised key security and government actors involved in the operation.
“Alhamdulillah, all the Ngoshe captives have been released last night,” Ndume said.
He commended the Nigerian Army, particularly the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the GOC 7th Division in Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, for their coordinated efforts.
Ndume also lauded Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for what he described as relentless support for military operations and ongoing reconstruction efforts in liberated communities.
He further appreciated the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar, for the prompt release of relief materials to displaced persons.
However, the senator called on security agencies to intensify operations aimed at rescuing 42 schoolchildren recently abducted in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, as well as others still in captivity.
He also urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to complement Borno State Government’s efforts in rebuilding Ngoshe and other communities affected by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency.
