Zulum commends Nigerian military over rescue of 360 abductees in Borno

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has commended the Nigerian military, particularly troops of Operation Hadin Kai, for the successful rescue of 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist enclave in the southern part of the state.

Zulum, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, described the operation as a demonstration of courage, professionalism, and effective intelligence-led operations in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.

The governor said the mission, which led to the safe recovery of hundreds of men, women, and children held captive by terrorists, has renewed hope among affected communities and reaffirmed ongoing efforts by the federal and state governments, alongside the military, to restore lasting peace.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, as well as troops involved in the operation, for what he described as their gallantry and sacrifice.

Zulum described the rescue of the 360 abductees from a Boko Haram stronghold as a major breakthrough, stressing that it highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and the commitment of security forces to ensuring that no citizen is left in captivity.

The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies with logistics to sustain ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

He also urged residents of Mussa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area to remain hopeful, saying efforts were ongoing to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren in the area.

Zulum further called on residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations against criminal groups.

It will be recalled that on March 4, suspected armed men attacked a military base in Ngoshe, burning operational vehicles, dispersing troops, killing an unspecified number of persons and abducting several others.