Zulum Applauds Tinubu, Ribadu, Security Forces as 434 Ngoshe Abductees Regain Freedom

Zulum Applauds Tinubu, Ribadu, Security Forces as 434 Ngoshe Abductees Regain Freedom

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security stakeholders for their efforts in securing the release of 434 residents of the Ngoshe community who were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents earlier this year.

The governor gave the commendation on Monday in Pulka while receiving a fresh batch of 357 freed captives. He disclosed that dozens of other victims had earlier regained their freedom in separate releases, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 434.

The victims were kidnapped during a Boko Haram attack on Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area located near the Mandara Mountains along Nigeria’s border region.

Zulum praised President Tinubu for his commitment to restoring peace and security in the North-East, noting that the president’s direct involvement played a significant role in facilitating the release of the captives.

According to the governor, the federal government’s determination to tackle insecurity has continued to yield positive results across the country.

“I wish to sincerely thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support and dedication to ensuring peace and stability in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole,” Zulum said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, and local security volunteers, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, vigilantes, and forest guards.

The governor described the operation as a product of strong collaboration among security agencies and community-based security groups working towards the safe return of the abducted men, women, and children.

Explaining the figures, Zulum said the latest group of freed captives accounted for about 357 persons, while others had been released in smaller batches over the past weeks and months.

“We are celebrating with the people of Ngoshe over the return of about 434 abducted residents. The group that was received today constitutes the largest batch, while others had regained their freedom earlier, bringing the total number to 434, he stated.

The governor further revealed that the state government had committed substantial resources to rebuilding the Ngoshe community and creating conditions for the safe return of displaced residents.

He said rehabilitation projects in the area were nearing completion and that discussions were ongoing with community members and security authorities to facilitate a secure and dignified resettlement process.

As part of immediate support measures, Zulum directed the distribution of food supplies and other relief materials to the rescued victims.

He added that the returnees are currently undergoing medical examinations and psychosocial care at a government facility before being reunited with their families and communities.