Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed elation over the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists from Ngoshe community in Borno State, even as he called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to free nearly 100 school children and teachers still in captivity in Oyo and Borno states.
Atiku’s message is contained in a message he posted on his verified social media handle on Monday morning, where he acknowledged the role of the military and all security agencies involved in what has been described as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” Atiku 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 expressed confidence in the military’s capacity to end the nearly two decades of insurgency if provided with the necessary tools and political leadership.
“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 stated.
Spear News Nigeria reports that the rescue operation, conducted on Friday, June 5, 2026, was carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, in conjunction with Special Operations Forces .
According to military sources, the victims were abducted on March 3, 2026, when Boko Haram fighters attacked Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, killing dozens of residents and setting a military base ablaze during the breaking of the Ramadan fast .
The rescue operation targeted a heavily fortified enclave of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) deep within the Mandara Mountains in southern Borno State, near the Cameroon border.
Military authorities said the operation was the culmination of weeks of painstaking intelligence preparation, covert reconnaissance, and operational planning.
Special Operations Forces initially carried out preliminary missions that created confusion within terrorist camps, paving the way for ground troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade to extract the captives successfully.
“Faced with the speed, precision, and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and ran into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered,” the military statement said.
The operation, however, recorded a tragic setback as two infants died during the rescue effort.
According to Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, the infants died due to exhaustion from prolonged captivity and the harsh terrain encountered while moving victims to safety.
“Sadly, two infants died due to exhaustion from prolonged captivity and harsh terrain,” Bwala posted on X .
The rescued victims, comprising men, women, and children who had been held under harsh conditions, underwent immediate medical screening upon arrival. Those requiring urgent medical attention were stabilised by brigade medical personnel and admitted to the General Hospital in Gwoza for treatment.
While the military confirmed the rescue of 360 persons, the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) claimed that 416 women and children were released on Saturday following sustained engagement and negotiations with the insurgents .
BOSYA President Samaila Kaigama said the alliance had maintained communication with the abductors and acted as an intermediary since the captives were first displayed by the terrorist group in April .
“We have secured the release of all the 416 women and children from Ngoshe. They were released on June 6,” Kaigama said .
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum commended the military, describing the rescue operation as a remarkable demonstration of courage, professionalism, and the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military efforts .
Atiku’s Call for Action
Despite celebrating the rescue, Atiku urged the government and military to intensify efforts to rescue others still in captivity.
“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.
The former vice president also called for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and preemptive actions that nips in the bud terrorist and banditry attacks before they are carried out,” Atiku added.
The rescued victims have been moved to a secure holding facility pending their handover to relevant authorities and reunification with their families . Follow-up operations are ongoing to track down fleeing insurgents and dismantle their support networks, according to military sources .
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