Ali Ndume, former Senate Leader and senator representing Borno South, has urged the Nigerian military to intensify efforts to locate and rescue schoolchildren abducted by insurgents in southern Borno.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ndume made the call during a visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, where he met Abdulsalam Abubakar, the theatre commander.
The lawmaker commended the military for its sustained operations against insurgents and its efforts to restore relative peace across Borno.
He, however, urged the military to redouble its efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted students and reunite them with their families.
In May, 42 pupils were abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Mussa village, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
In June, insurgents attacked Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba, abducting 36 students and a teacher.
Ndume said his appeal should not be seen as an indictment of the military but as part of his responsibility to convey the concerns of his constituents.
“We know you are making efforts, but because of the anxiety we all share and the length of time these people have remained away from their families, I have to continue to push for greater effort,” he said.
“The people are anxious, and the families are waiting. We appreciate what the military is doing, but we will continue to appeal for greater efforts until our people are reunited with their families.”
The former chairman of the Senate Committee on Army acknowledged improvements in Borno’s security situation, attributing the progress to the sacrifices of officers and soldiers operating across the theatre.
He also commended the coordination among security agencies, describing the synergy as a major factor in the fight against insurgency.
Ndume urged the military to sustain the momentum and intensify operations to locate the remaining abductees and secure their safe return.
Military to Recruit 1,000 Southern Borno Youths
Responding, Abubakar thanked Ndume for the visit and said the concerns raised over the abducted students had been noted.
The theatre commander reiterated the military’s commitment, alongside other security agencies, to ongoing operations aimed at protecting communities, stabilising affected areas and facilitating the safe return of residents displaced by insurgency.
Abubakar attributed the gains recorded in the theatre to the support of Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, whom he said had a deep understanding of the operational environment in the North-East.
He said the military would expand its presence in vulnerable areas through the establishment of new formations, deployment of additional troops and strengthening of existing sectors.
As part of efforts to improve security in southern Borno and adjoining parts of Adamawa State, Abubakar disclosed that about 1,000 youths from southern Borno, mainly from Gwoza Local Government Area, would be recruited into the military.
