Atiku Reacts as Troops Rescue 360 Abductees in Borno, Demands Urgent Action on Remaining Kidnap Victims

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Nigerian troops for rescuing 360 abducted victims from terrorist captivity in Borno State, while calling on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to free hundreds of other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers and insurgents.

The large-scale rescue operation was carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Mandara Mountains, a notorious hideout for terrorists in the North-East.

The victims were reportedly abducted after Boko Haram insurgents attacked Ngoshe community in southern Borno State earlier this year. During the assault, terrorists allegedly overran a military base, destroyed operational vehicles, killed several people and whisked away residents into captivity.

Reacting to the development in a statement shared on his X account, Atiku described the rescue as a major relief for families who had endured months of fear and uncertainty since the abductions took place in March.

“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” the former presidential candidate stated.

While commending the military and other security agencies involved in the mission, Atiku insisted that Nigeria’s armed forces could defeat insurgency if given stronger political backing, modern equipment and improved operational support.

“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, adding that the nearly two-decade insurgency could be brought to an end with effective leadership and the right resources.

Despite celebrating the rescue, Atiku expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians still trapped in captivity across different parts of the country. He specifically mentioned the reported abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa in Borno State.

The former vice president also renewed calls for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing the need for intelligence-led operations, technology-driven surveillance systems and proactive strategies capable of stopping attacks before they occur.

Military authorities described the Borno rescue mission as one of the biggest hostage recovery operations recorded in the North-East in recent times. According to security officials, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert surveillance and strategic planning before troops successfully secured the release of men, women and children held under harsh conditions in terrorist enclaves.