Atiku hails rescue of 360 abductees in Borno, calls for security reforms

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the Nigerian military and security agencies for the successful rescue of 360 abductees from a Boko Haram stronghold in Borno State.

The rescued victims were freed during a major operation carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.

The Nigerian Army described the mission as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations conducted in the North-East in recent years.

Reacting to the development in a statement on Monday, Atiku expressed delight over the successful operation, noting that it had brought relief to the victims and their families.

“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he said.

“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.”

The former vice president praised the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, acknowledging their professionalism and commitment.

“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees,” he stated.

Atiku expressed confidence in the ability of the armed forces to overcome the country’s security challenges if provided with adequate support and effective 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 said.

While celebrating the successful rescue, the ADC presidential candidate urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the freedom of other Nigerians still being held captive by terrorists and bandits.

He specifically referenced the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa in Borno State, calling for urgent action to secure their release.

“Even as we savour this rescue, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue nearly 100 schoolchildren 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 overhaul of the country’s security architecture, with greater emphasis 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 pre-emptive actions that nip terrorist and banditry attacks in the bud before they are carried out,” he added.

The rescue operation has been widely hailed as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and restore security in Nigeria’s North-East region.