By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) has commended the Nigerian military, the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their roles in the rescue of 416 people, mostly women and children, abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The lawmaker gave the commendation in a statement issued on Sunday following the rescue operation carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai.
The captives were abducted on March 3, 2026, when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Ngoshe, during which several civilians were taken away. Security forces had subsequently rescued some of the victims during separate operations around the Mandara Mountains before the latest rescue effort.
Describing the operation as commendable, Ndume praised the military and other stakeholders for their contributions to the victims’ safe return.
“Alhamdulillah, all the Ngoshe captives have been released,” he said.
“I commend the Nigerian Army, especially the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Gwoza, and other security agencies for their efforts.
“The over 400 victims have been in captivity since March 3, 2026, and I am very happy to hear the good news of their safe release.”
The senator also lauded Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for his support to the military and ongoing efforts to rebuild Ngoshe and assist affected residents.
He further expressed appreciation to the Director-General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, for the provision of relief materials to displaced persons affected by the insurgency.
While celebrating the rescue, Ndume urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other victims still being held captive, including more than 40 pupils reportedly abducted from schools in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
He called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to complement the efforts of the Borno State Government in rebuilding Ngoshe and other communities affected by insurgency.
According to him, sustained support for affected communities remains essential to restoring normalcy and improving the welfare of residents impacted by years of conflict in the North-East.
