ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has commended the Nigerian military for securing the release of 360 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Borno State, describing the operation as a remarkable display of courage, professionalism and patriotism.
The victims, who had been held captive since March, regained their freedom on Saturday following sustained efforts by security forces.
Their release came three months after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe on March 4, setting operational vehicles ablaze, dispersing security personnel, killing several residents and abducting scores of women and children.
The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the development to Punch on Sunday.
BOSYA had earlier been identified as serving as an intermediary between the insurgents and the affected victims, according to reports published on April 10.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, also confirmed the release of the abductees in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya.
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Reacting to the development in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, Ndume praised officers and men of the Nigerian Army for what he described as an outstanding rescue operation carried out despite operational and logistical challenges.
“We must applaud the professionalism and spectacular patriotism of men and officers of the Nigerian Army who continue to exhibit outstanding courage in the face of obvious logistic challenges,” Ndume said.
The senator specifically expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division in Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza for their contributions to the successful operation.
Ndume also acknowledged the role played by Governor Zulum, saying the governor’s commitment to security and humanitarian interventions contributed significantly to the success recorded by security agencies.
“I must not fail to mention the selfless efforts of the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, whose imprints could not be ruled out in the weekend’s successful operation by the security forces,” he stated.
The lawmaker further commended the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, for providing relief materials to displaced residents affected by the crisis.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to support efforts aimed at rebuilding Ngoshe community and creating conditions that would allow displaced residents to return home safely.
“From my findings, with military presence in Ngoshe, the people want to leave the Internally Displaced Persons camps if the community can be made habitable for them,” Ndume added.
While celebrating the successful rescue, the senator called on security agencies not to relent in their efforts to secure the release of other abducted persons still in captivity.
He specifically appealed for intensified operations to rescue schoolchildren abducted in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, as well as travellers kidnapped along the Biu-Buratai road.
Ndume also condemned the recent killing of soldiers and repentant Boko Haram volunteers in Mandaragra village, Biu Local Government Area, describing the incident as tragic and a reminder of the continuing security challenges facing parts of the North-East.
He urged security agencies to sustain ongoing military operations and ensure that communities affected by insurgency receive the protection and support needed to rebuild their lives.