Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has commended the rescue of 360 people abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, while urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure the freedom of other Nigerians still being held captive by insurgents and kidnappers.

The victims were rescued by troops of Operation HADIN KAI following a successful operation in the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist enclave in southern Borno State.

The abductions occurred after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe in March. During the assault, the terrorists reportedly destroyed operational vehicles, overran the base, killed an unspecified number of people, and abducted several residents.

Reacting to the development in a statement shared on his X account on Monday, Atiku described the rescue as a welcome relief for the victims and their families, who had endured months of uncertainty.

“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” Atiku said.

He noted that while the rescue marked the end of a difficult ordeal for the victims, the country still faces persistent threats from terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity.

“Even as this brings to an end the ordeal of the abductees and the anguish of their loved ones since they were abducted in March, we are still faced with threats from terrorism and banditry attacks,” he stated.

The former vice president praised the military and other security agencies for their roles in the operation, acknowledging their efforts in ensuring the safe rescue of the abductees.

“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees,” he said.

Atiku further expressed confidence in the capacity of Nigeria’s security forces to defeat insurgency, stressing that success would depend on adequate equipment, resources, and effective political leadership.

“I am confident that if provided with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the military will bring to an end the nearly two decades of insurgency,” he added.

He called for sustained support for the armed forces and security agencies as they continue operations aimed at restoring peace and security across affected parts of the country.