Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has praised the Nigerian military for rescuing 360 residents of Ngoshe community in Borno State from insurgent captivity, describing the operation as a major victory in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.
The rescued victims, who included women, children and elderly persons, had reportedly been held by insurgents since March before troops of Operation Hadin Kai secured their freedom during a coordinated operation over the weekend.
Confirming the development, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, said the operation was carried out by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 who stormed a fortified enclave of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno.
According to him, the mission was the outcome of weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and meticulous planning, leading to the successful rescue of hundreds of abductees taken from communities around the Ngoshe axis.
Ndume described the operation as a testament to the resilience, professionalism and patriotism of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The military deserves commendation for this remarkable feat. Despite operational challenges, our troops continue to demonstrate courage and commitment in protecting lives and defending the nation,” he said.
The Borno South lawmaker specifically lauded the leadership 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 roles in the successful mission.
He also credited Babagana Umara Zulum for his sustained support for security operations and humanitarian interventions across the state, noting that the governor’s efforts have remained critical in stabilising communities affected by insurgency.
Ndume further acknowledged the contribution of Zubaida Umar and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for providing relief materials to displaced residents affected by the conflict.
While celebrating the rescue, the senator called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to immediately partner with the Borno State Government in rebuilding Ngoshe and facilitating the safe return of displaced residents.
He said many of the community’s inhabitants are eager to leave displacement camps and return home, provided basic infrastructure and essential services are restored.
“With improved security presence in the area, attention should now shift to reconstruction and resettlement. The people want to return to their ancestral homes and rebuild their lives,” he stated.
Ndume also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area and travellers kidnapped along the Biu-Buratai Road.
The senator equally condemned the recent killing of soldiers and repentant Boko Haram volunteers in Mandaragra village in Biu Local Government Area, calling for renewed military pressure on insurgent groups operating in the region.
He maintained that while the rescue of the 360 captives represents a significant breakthrough, sustained military operations and post-conflict reconstruction remain essential to achieving lasting peace in Borno State and the wider North-East.