Like Oyo schoolchildren, rescue 79 held captive in Borno – Ndume tells Military

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has appealed to the Nigerian military and other security agencies to sustain ongoing rescue operations in Southern Borno, urging them to focus on securing the release of dozens of people still being held captive by kidnappers.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday following the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, Ndume said he had expected more details from the military about the operation but understood that some information relating to military operations and equipment could not be made public.

The senator disclosed that 42 people from Mussa in Borno South Senatorial District remain in captivity, alongside about 37 residents of Lassa who were recently abducted. He added that several victims from Muoshi and travellers kidnapped along the Buratai route were also yet to regain their freedom.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the military to keep their attention on my senatorial district and help us get these people back. The parents are traumatised, especially those from Mussa because there are small children among them,” Ndume said.

According to him, those still in captivity include children, students from Lassa who were preparing for their NECO examinations, and other adults abducted in separate incidents.

Despite the security challenges, the lawmaker expressed confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to tackle insecurity.

“I have confidence in the Nigerian security agencies. All they need is encouragement, training, equipment, aviation and motivation,” he said.

Ndume commended the security forces for the recent rescue operation in Oyo State, noting that about eight suspected kidnappers were neutralised while others were arrested, leading to the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.

“The children are back safely. Those responsible for the abduction lost about eight of their members during the operation, while some were captured. I believe this will provide useful intelligence on their operations and help address the security challenge,” he said.

The senator urged the military to build on the success of the operation by intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives in Mussa, Lassa, Muoshi and along the Buratai axis.

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