Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for what he described as a highly coordinated and intelligence-driven rescue mission that led to the freedom of 360 people abducted by insurgents in the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist hideout in southern Borno.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum said the operation carried out by troops of Operation HADIN KAI reflected “courage, professionalism, and the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.”
He added that the success of the mission has restored confidence among affected communities and strengthened public trust in ongoing efforts by security agencies.
The governor, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to key military leadership and personnel involved in the operation.
He said: “I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, officers, and soldiers who participated in this highly successful operation.”
He further stated that “their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice have once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces to protecting innocent citizens.”
Zulum also acknowledged the role of local communities in supporting the success of the mission, noting that cooperation and timely information sharing were critical factors in achieving the breakthrough.
According to him, “the rescue of 360 abductees from the Boko Haram stronghold is a significant achievement,” adding that it highlights “the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and the determination of our security forces to ensure that no citizen is abandoned in the hands of insurgents and terrorists.”
Reaffirming his administration’s support for ongoing counter-insurgency operations, the governor pledged continued logistical backing for the military and other security agencies to sustain pressure on terrorist groups.
He also called on residents of Mussa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area to remain hopeful as efforts continue to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren, while urging citizens across the state to stay vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security operatives.
Meanwhile, the development comes against the backdrop of continued insecurity in parts of the state, including a recent attack on a military base in Ngoshe, where insurgents reportedly burned operational vehicles, scattered security personnel, killed an unspecified number of people, and abducted others during the assault.