Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the rescue of 360 people abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, describing the development as a major relief for the victims and their families.
The former Vice President, however, warned that the country was still facing serious security challenges and called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
Atiku made the remarks in a statement posted on his X account on Monday following reports that security forces successfully rescued hundreds of people who had been abducted in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue operation has been widely celebrated across the country, particularly in Borno State, where communities have endured years of attacks by insurgent groups.
Ngoshe is one of several communities in southern Borno that have repeatedly faced security threats linked to the Boko Haram insurgency and other terrorist activities in the North-East region.
For many of the rescued victims and their relatives, the operation brought an end to months of uncertainty and emotional pain.
Atiku said he was delighted by the reports of the successful rescue and expressed sympathy for the families who had lived with fear and anxiety since the victims were abducted in March.
“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 commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies involved in the operation, saying their commitment and sacrifice contributed significantly to the successful outcome.
He noted that security personnel continue to put their lives at risk in the service of the nation and deserve recognition for their efforts.
“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.
The rescue comes at a time when the military has intensified operations against terrorist groups, bandits and other criminal elements operating in different parts of the country.
Although security agencies have recorded several successes in recent months, attacks on communities, kidnappings and other violent crimes remain major concerns for many Nigerians.
Borno State has been at the centre of the Boko Haram insurgency for more than a decade. Since the conflict began in 2009, thousands of people have been killed, while millions have been displaced from their homes.
Several communities have suffered repeated attacks, leading to the destruction of homes, schools, health facilities and other public infrastructure.
Over the years, military operations have helped recover territories previously occupied by insurgents, but security experts say the fight against terrorism is far from over.
Against this backdrop, Atiku stressed the need for sustained support for the military and security agencies.
According to him, the armed forces have the capacity to defeat insurgency and restore lasting peace if they receive the equipment, resources and leadership required to carry out their duties effectively.
“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.
His comments reflect a long-standing debate over the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security institutions through improved funding, better welfare for personnel and the deployment of modern equipment.
Security analysts have repeatedly argued that combating terrorism and banditry requires not only military action but also strong political commitment and strategic planning.
While celebrating the rescue of the Ngoshe victims, Atiku urged authorities not to lose focus on the many Nigerians who remain in captivity across different parts of the country.
He specifically mentioned schoolchildren and teachers reportedly abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Mussa in Borno State.
According to him, every effort should be made to ensure their safe return.
“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,” he said.
Kidnapping for ransom and mass abductions have become major security concerns in recent years.
Several schools, communities and travellers have been targeted by criminal groups, leading to renewed calls for stronger security measures and improved intelligence gathering.
Many families with loved ones in captivity continue to wait anxiously for positive news from security agencies.
Atiku said the country must move beyond reacting to attacks after they occur and instead focus on preventing them from happening in the first place.
To achieve this, he called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, greater emphasis should be placed on intelligence gathering, technology-driven security operations and proactive measures aimed at stopping attacks before they take place.
“More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and preemptive actions that nip in the bud terrorist and banditry attacks before they are carried out,” Atiku added.
Experts have long advocated increased investment in surveillance technology, intelligence-sharing systems and early warning mechanisms to improve security operations.
Many believe that modern technology, including drones, satellite monitoring and advanced communication systems, can significantly improve the ability of security agencies to detect and prevent attacks.
The rescue of the 360 abductees has renewed hope that ongoing security operations can produce meaningful results.
However, analysts caution that the country must maintain pressure on terrorist groups and criminal networks to prevent future attacks and secure the release of all remaining captives.
For the rescued victims and their families, the operation represents a new beginning after months of fear and uncertainty.
For Nigeria, it serves as both a moment of celebration and a reminder that the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping remains one of the nation’s most urgent challenges.
As security agencies continue their operations, many Nigerians will be hoping for more successful rescues and lasting solutions to the insecurity that has affected communities across the country for years.