Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has appealed to the Nigerian military to intensify operations aimed at rescuing abducted residents across Southern Borno.
Ndume specifically called for renewed efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from Mussa and Lassa, passengers kidnapped along the Buratai axis and other victims still being held after the insurgency-related attacks.
The senator made the appeal during a visit to the Theatre Command of North East Operation HADIN KAI at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Wednesday. He commended the military for its efforts in restoring relative stability across the region but said the continued captivity of residents remained a source of serious concern for affected families.
Ndume, who is also a member of the Senate Committee on Army, said some of the victims had spent more than 100 days away from their families. He urged the military to sustain its operations until all remaining abductees were safely reunited with their relatives.
“Most importantly, General, I know you are putting in your best efforts towards the rescue of our children in Mussa and Lassa, the passengers abducted along the Buratai axis and the remaining victims from Ngoshe.”
The lawmaker said his repeated appeals should not be interpreted as criticism of the military. Rather, he described it as his responsibility to continue representing the concerns of constituents whose relatives remain in captivity.
“Like Oliver Twist, I have come to ask for more for my people. It is my moral obligation to commend you when you do well and also bring the concerns of my constituents before you.”
Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, disclosed plans to recruit about 1,000 youths from Southern Borno, particularly from Gwoza Local Government Area, into the Nigerian Army. He said the initiative was part of broader efforts to strengthen security and increase military presence across Southern Borno and adjoining parts of Adamawa State.
According to Abubakar, the Army is also expanding its presence through new formations and additional troop deployments. He identified Mandaragrau and Kirawa among locations where new battalions had been established and troops deployed.
The commander said the military had also created Sector IV to cover Southern Borno and Northern Adamawa. He added that two additional formations, 226 and 247 Battalions, had been approved to strengthen operations in the area.
Abubakar said the deployment of troops to previously vulnerable locations had helped restore economic and social activities. He explained that the military was also intensifying stabilisation operations to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents to their communities.
The commander said the Army was working closely with the Borno State Government to support the process. On youth recruitment, he disclosed that more than 1,000 indigenous youths were already undergoing military-related training under an initiative supported by the Chief of Army Staff and the state government.
He said the next phase would focus particularly on Gwoza, where nearly 1,000 young people are expected to join the Army after the current training exercise in Jos. According to him, the recruitment could provide the equivalent of almost three battalions of personnel from the area.
The Theatre Commander also assured Ndume that concerns over security gaps in Ngulde, Shaffa, Mandaragrau, Askira-Uba, Ngoshe and Kirawa had been noted. He disclosed that more than 20 additional operational platforms were expected before the end of the year to strengthen military operations.
“Be rest assured that your senatorial district will be safe and adequately covered.”
Ndume, in turn, commended the military leadership and personnel for their sacrifices in the North-East. He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces, particularly through improvements in military personnel remuneration.
The senator said adequate welfare and motivation for troops remained essential to sustaining the fight against insurgency. He further commended the improving relationship between security forces and civilians, describing stronger civil-military cooperation as important to restoring public confidence and improving security across the North-East.
