Zulum Hails Tinubu, Security Agencies Over Release of 434 Ngoshe Captives By Raymond Enoch
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for securing the release of 434 residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were abducted by insurgents during a deadly attack on the border town.
Speaking on Monday in Pulka during a reception organised for the freed captives, Governor Zulum described the development as a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to restore peace, security and normalcy to communities devastated by insurgency in Borno State.
The governor disclosed that 357 of the victims were released in the latest coordinated operation, while approximately 77 others had regained their freedom in phases over the past year, bringing the total number of released persons to 434.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to combating insecurity and for supporting initiatives that culminated in the release of the abducted men, women and children.
> “I want to express my deepest appreciation, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State and the Ngoshe community in particular, to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the efforts he has been making in ensuring the return of peace and stability not only to Borno State but to the entire country,” Zulum stated.
The governor also praised the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security stakeholders for their professionalism, dedication and effective collaboration throughout the operation.
He further acknowledged the critical role played by local security volunteers, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), forest guards, vigilantes and hunters, whose contributions helped facilitate the captives’ freedom.
> “I also want to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services and all other security agencies, including our gallant Civilian JTF, Forest Guards, Vigilantes and Hunters, who participated immensely in ensuring the release of these abducted men, women and children,” he added.
Providing further details, Zulum explained that while about 360 captives were released two days earlier, additional groups had regained their freedom in preceding weeks, resulting in the cumulative figure of 434 rescued persons.
The governor revealed that the Borno State Government has already committed substantial resources towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Ngoshe community in preparation for the safe return of displaced residents.
> “Government has released millions of naira to rehabilitate the Ngoshe community. So far, the work is nearly complete. We are also interfacing with the community regarding their return to Ngoshe. For those willing to return, we are working closely with the Nigerian military to establish institutional arrangements that will guarantee their safe and dignified return,” he said.
As part of immediate intervention measures, Governor Zulum directed the distribution of food and non-food relief materials to the freed captives and assured them of sustained government support as they rebuild their lives.
The rescued individuals are currently undergoing medical screening, trauma care and psychological counselling at a government facility before their eventual reintegration into their communities.
The successful release of the 434 captives represents one of the largest recoveries of abducted civilians in recent months and is being widely viewed as a major boost to ongoing efforts to restore stability across Nigeria’s North-East region.
For many families in Ngoshe and surrounding communities, the development signals renewed hope that lasting peace and security can be achieved despite the challenges posed by years of insurgency.
