Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the reported rescue of 360 persons abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, describing the development as a relief for the victims and their families.
In a post shared on X on Monday, Atiku expressed satisfaction over the end of what he called the “ordeal of the abductees,” noting that the victims had been in captivity since March. He wrote:
“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State.”
While welcoming the rescue operation, he stressed that Nigeria still faces ongoing insecurity challenges, particularly terrorism and banditry. He added:
“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.”
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Atiku commended the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, acknowledging their efforts in securing the release of the abductees. He stated:
“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees.”
He also expressed confidence in the armed forces, arguing that with adequate equipment and strong political leadership, the military could end the long-running insurgency affecting parts of the country. According to him:
“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.”
The former vice president further urged authorities to intensify efforts to rescue other victims still in captivity, including nearly 100 school children and teachers reportedly abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, as well as others in Mussa, Borno State. He said:
“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.”
Finally, Atiku called for a restructuring of Nigeria’s security system, emphasizing intelligence-led operations and preventive strategies. He noted:
“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.”