Former Senate Leader and Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has commended the Nigerian Army for what he described as an extraordinary display of courage and professionalism following the rescue of 360 kidnapped victims from insurgent captivity in Borno State.
The lawmaker praised the military after troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully freed hundreds of residents who had been held by insurgents in the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno.
The rescue operation, carried out at the weekend, is being regarded as one of the largest hostage recovery missions conducted by security forces in the North-East in recent years.
The victims, made up of men, women and children, were reportedly abducted from communities around Ngoshe and nearby areas and had been held captive since March before their eventual rescue on Saturday.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Sunday, Ndume applauded the military authorities and troops involved in the operation, describing the assault on the insurgents’ stronghold as remarkable.
According to him, the success of the operation demonstrated the commitment of Nigerian soldiers who continue to confront insecurity despite difficult operational conditions.
“We must applaud the professionalism and spectacular patriotism of men and officers of the Nigerian Army who continue to exhibit outstanding courage in the face of obvious logistical challenges,” Ndume said.
The senator specifically commended the leadership of Operation HADIN KAI and senior military commanders whose efforts contributed to the success of the mission.
“We are grateful to the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Maiduguri, and the Brigade Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Gwoza, Borno State,” he added.
The rescue mission has drawn widespread praise from residents and stakeholders across Borno State, many of whom see it as a major victory in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Military authorities had earlier disclosed that the operation was the result of weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and strategic planning.
According to the military, the rescued victims were found in a heavily fortified enclave belonging to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a faction linked to the Boko Haram insurgency.
Security officials said intelligence gathered from multiple sources enabled troops to locate the captives and successfully carry out the operation while minimising risks to the victims.
The Mandara Mountains, located along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, have long served as hideouts for insurgents because of their rugged terrain and difficult access routes. Over the years, terrorist groups have used the area as a base for attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities.
The latest rescue operation has therefore been seen as a major blow to insurgent activities in the region.
Beyond praising the military, Ndume also called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to support efforts aimed at helping victims and rebuilding affected communities.
According to him, the rescue of the captives should be followed by practical steps to restore normal life in Ngoshe and surrounding communities that have suffered years of attacks and displacement.
He urged the ministry to work closely with the Borno State Government to improve living conditions and encourage displaced residents to return home.
“We urge the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs to also rise to the occasion. It should seize the initiative to complement the efforts of the Borno State Government in rebuilding Ngoshe,” he said.
The senator noted that many residents currently living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are eager to return to their communities if adequate security and basic facilities are provided.
“From my findings, with military presence in Ngoshe, the people want to leave the internally displaced persons’ camps if the community can be made habitable for them,” he stated.
Ngoshe, located in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, is one of several communities that have experienced repeated attacks during the insurgency. Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes as violence spread across parts of the North-East.
Although military operations in recent years have helped restore relative stability in many areas, rebuilding damaged communities remains a major challenge.
Many displaced persons continue to depend on humanitarian assistance while awaiting opportunities to return home and rebuild their lives.
Ndume also praised the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for providing relief materials to displaced residents affected by the conflict.
He specifically commended the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, for supporting victims through the distribution of humanitarian assistance.
“We must also commend the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, for the release of relief materials to the displaced people,” he said.
The senator’s comments reflect growing calls for a comprehensive approach to addressing the impact of insurgency in the North-East. While military operations have succeeded in recovering territories and rescuing victims, experts say long-term peace will require reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic support for affected communities.
For more than 15 years, the Boko Haram insurgency and activities of its splinter groups have devastated many communities across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.
Successive governments have invested heavily in military operations aimed at defeating insurgents and restoring peace to the region. Operation HADIN KAI, the military task force leading counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East, has recorded several successes in recent years through offensive operations and intelligence-driven missions.
The rescue of the 360 captives has added to those achievements and has been welcomed by residents who have endured years of violence and uncertainty.
For the rescued victims and their families, the operation represents a return to freedom after months in captivity. For communities such as Ngoshe, it offers renewed hope that security is gradually improving and that displaced residents may soon be able to return home.