Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and former Senate Leader Ali Ndume have commended the Nigerian military for rescuing 360 abducted residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State from insurgent captivity.
This came as troops of Operation Enduring Peace foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued victims in separate operations across Plateau and Kaduna states.
Zulum, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, described the operation as a remarkable demonstration of courage, professionalism and the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Confirming the development, the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, disclosed that troops comprising Special Forces and personnel of Sector 1 successfully stormed a heavily fortified Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave deep within the Mandara Mountains in southern Borno State.
According to him, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and meticulous planning, leading to the safe recovery of men, women and children abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis.
Sani noted that the rescued victims had endured harsh conditions while in captivity. He added that six of the abducted civilians had been rescued last month around Amuda, a deserted area located between Ngoshe and Gava communities.
Zulum said the mission, which led to the safe recovery of hundreds of men, women and children held captive by terrorists, had renewed hope among affected communities and reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government, Nigerian military and Borno State Government to safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace in the region.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai officers, and soldiers who participated in this highly successful operation. Their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice have once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces to protecting innocent citizens,†Zulum stated.
“The rescue of 360 abductees from the Boko Haram stronghold is a significant achievement. It underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, and the determination of our security forces to ensure that no citizen is abandoned in the hands of insurgents and terrorists,†he added.
The governor also commended local communities for their support and cooperation, which contributed to the success of the operation, and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting security agencies through logistics assistance.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, expressed gratitude to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Gwoza, for their roles in the successful operation.
He also credited Governor Zulum for his commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state, saying the governor's efforts contributed significantly to the successes recorded by security forces.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued victims in separate operations across Plateau and Kaduna states.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Media Information Officer, Capt Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the military said troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers who blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5, 2026.
According to the statement, troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned on the road and immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding bushes.
The operation led to the successful rescue of six kidnapped passengers.
