BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, JUNE 07, 2026/ 06:20PM
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies for rescuing 360 abductees held captive by terrorists in the Mandara mountain, a notorious stronghold in Southern Borno.
The governor, in a statement issued by his special adviser on media, Dauda Iliya, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai led the intelligence-driven operation that led to the safe recovery of the men, women, and children abducted by Boko Haram insurgents.
Gov. Zulum described the mission as 'a remarkable demonstration of courage, professionalism, and the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led operations' in the North-East.
He said the rescue had renewed hope in affected communities and reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government, the military, other security outfits, and the Borno State government to protecting lives and restoring lasting peace.
The governor recalled his visits to Ngoshe on March 6, 2026, and later to Pulka town in Gwoza LGA where he spent the night with the victims and assured them of government’s resolve to secure the release of those still in captivity.
He also visited Ngoshe town and directed an immediate assessment and reconstruction of destroyed houses to enable residents taking refuge in Pulka to return home.
'I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, officers, soldiers and security establishment who participated in this highly successful operation.
'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,' the governor explained.
He also commended members of local communities for their cooperation, which he said contributed to the operation’s success.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continue supporting the military and other security agencies with logistics to sustain counter-insurgency efforts.
The governor urged residents of Mussa in Askira Uba LGA to remain hopeful, saying government is committed to securing the release of abducted school children in the area.
He further called on Borno residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to help eliminate criminal activities across the state.
The Mandara mountains have long served as a hideout for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters due to their rugged terrain and proximity to the Cameroon border.