Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed reports of the rescue of 360 persons abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, while calling on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still in captivity.
In a statement posted on his X account 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.
The former vice president noted that the rescue had brought an end to the suffering of the victims and the anguish experienced by their loved ones, but warned that the country continued to face serious threats from terrorism and banditry.
“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,” Atiku stated.
He commended the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, praising their efforts in securing the safe release of the abductees.
“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.
Atiku expressed confidence that Nigeria’s armed forces could successfully end the country’s prolonged insurgency if provided with adequate support and 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 added.
While celebrating the rescue, the former vice president urged authorities not to relent in efforts to secure the release of other victims still being held by terrorists and bandits across the country.
“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.
Atiku also called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, advocating a strategy anchored 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,” he stated.
