Ndume praises military for freeing Borno women and children

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, praised the Nigerian military on Sunday for rescuing 360 women and children taken from Ngoshe community in Borno State.

The victims were held captive since March and got their freedom on Saturday.

This release happened three months after Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe on March 4. They burned vehicles, scattered security personnel, killed several people, and took many residents.

Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, confirmed this news to PUNCH Online on Sunday.

Earlier reports from April 10 said that BOSYA acted as a middleman between the terrorists and the victims.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, also confirmed the release of the abductees in a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, on Sunday.

In a statement from Abuja on Sunday, Ndume praised the troops for what he called a remarkable rescue mission. He highlighted their professionalism and patriotism despite facing challenges.

He said, "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 logistic challenges."

Ndume thanked the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division in Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza for their roles in the operation.

He also praised Babagana Zulum, saying the governor’s actions helped the security forces succeed.

"I must not fail to mention the selfless efforts of the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, whose imprints could not be ruled out in the weekend’s successful operation by the security forces," Ndume stated.

The senator also appreciated Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, for helping provide relief materials to those displaced. He urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to assist in rebuilding Ngoshe.

"From my findings, with military presence in Ngoshe, the people want to leave the Internally Displaced People’s Camps if the community can be made livable for them," he added.

Ndume urged security agencies to work harder to free schoolchildren taken in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, and travelers kidnapped along the Biu-Buratai road.

He also condemned the killing of soldiers and repentant Boko Haram volunteers in Mandaragra village, Biu Local Government Area.