Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | journalist at wengglobal
Senator Ali Ndume has called on the Nigerian military and other security agencies to intensify operations in Borno South following the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The senator said the operation that secured the victims’ freedom demonstrates that Nigeria’s security forces have the capacity to rescue kidnapped persons and should replicate similar efforts in communities across Borno State where many residents remain in captivity.Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District in the Senate, made the appeal while reacting to the rescue of pupils abducted from schools in Oyo State.
He commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful operation but stressed that many families in Borno continue to endure the pain of having loved ones held by insurgents and kidnappers.According to the senator, the rescue of the Oyo victims should serve as motivation for the military to sustain pressure on criminal groups operating in the North-East.
He said communities in Borno South have suffered repeated attacks, abductions and displacement despite years of military operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).Ndume noted that several children, students and other residents from communities within his senatorial district remain in captivity. He appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise their rescue and strengthen security operations in the affected areas.
I congratulate our security agencies for rescuing the Oyo pupils, but I also appeal to them to shift greater attention to Borno South where many innocent people are still being held captive,” the senator said.The appeal follows the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending several weeks in captivity.
The rescue operation was widely welcomed by Nigerians, with many describing it as evidence that coordinated intelligence gathering and military operations can deliver positive results against kidnappers.The Presidency also praised the efforts of security personnel involved in the operation, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crime across the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and improve the operational capacity of the armed forces.For Ndume, however, the success recorded in Oyo should not overshadow the continuing humanitarian crisis in Borno State.
He explained that several communities across southern Borno continue to experience attacks from insurgents, resulting in deaths, destruction of property and the abduction of civilians.Borno State has remained the epicentre of Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram insurgency for more than a decade.
Although military offensives have significantly weakened the insurgents’ territorial control, attacks on rural communities, ambushes on highways and kidnappings still occur in parts of the state.Security experts say the insurgency has evolved over the years, with terrorist groups increasingly relying on surprise attacks and kidnappings rather than attempts to seize and hold territory.
These tactics have continued to threaten residents and humanitarian activities across the North-East.Ndume has consistently raised concerns about the security situation in Borno South, urging the Federal Government to deploy additional troops, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration between security agencies. He believes sustained military pressure is necessary to rescue those still in captivity and prevent future attacks.The senator also emphasised the emotional and economic burden borne by families whose relatives remain missing. Many victims’ families have spent months waiting for information about their loved ones while struggling with trauma and uncertainty.
The rescue of the Oyo pupils has renewed national discussions on the need to improve school security across Nigeria. Over the past decade, schools in several northern states have become targets of mass abductions, prompting governments to introduce additional security measures under the Safe Schools Initiative.
Despite these interventions, experts argue that more investment is required in surveillance technology, rapid response capabilities and intelligence-led policing to prevent future incidents.Analysts also believe stronger cooperation between federal, state and local authorities is essential for improving security outcomes. Community participation, early warning systems and better communication between residents and security agencies have been identified as key components of successful counter-insurgency operations.The Nigerian military has continued to conduct offensives against terrorist groups in the North-East through Operation Hadin Kai and other security initiatives.
Defence authorities maintain that troops remain committed to eliminating terrorism and restoring lasting peace to affected communities.Ndume urged the military not to relent, arguing that every successful rescue operation restores public confidence and offers hope to families waiting for the return of abducted relatives. He said the Oyo operation demonstrates that determined and coordinated action can produce meaningful results.He further appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that security operations remain sustained until all Nigerians held by kidnappers and insurgents regain their freedom.As Nigeria continues its efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, stakeholders say sustained military operations must be complemented by improved governance, economic opportunities and community engagement to address the root causes of insecurity.The senator’s appeal has added to growing calls for increased attention to communities in Borno South, where residents continue to face significant security challenges despite years of military intervention. For many families in the region, the hope remains that the success recorded in Oyo will soon be replicated in Borno and other parts of the country where innocent citizens remain in captivity.
Sources
Premium Times, Punch Newspapers, Channels Television, Vanguard, The Sun Nigeria
