Former Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has called on Nigerians to observe a day of thanksgiving and fasting following the rescue of 360 people who had been held captive by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday June 7th, 2026, Ndume revealed that residents of the affected communities had initially planned to embark on a fasting programme to seek divine intervention as the abductees approached 100 days in captivity. However, the successful rescue operation prompted a change in the purpose of the exercise.
According to the senator, the rescued victims would have marked 100 days in captivity on June 11, and community members had concluded arrangements to begin fasting in prayer for their release.
“We were just preparing and it is still ongoing to engage in fasting. Our people who are able to fast were going to start tomorrow. But now that they have been released, we fast on Monday to thank God for the effort that has been done and for their release in safety,” Ndume said.
He encouraged other Nigerians to join the thanksgiving exercise, saying it would be an opportunity to express gratitude for the safe return of the victims.
“We are also calling on you, if you can fast tomorrow to thank God for the relief of the people, I will know that you are serious,” he added.
Ndume said the rescued victims had been profiled and relocated to a camp where they are receiving support. He noted that medical personnel and volunteers were already on the ground to assist with their rehabilitation, while youth groups had also mobilised to contribute to their recovery.
While celebrating the rescue, Ndume stressed that many people remain in Boko Haram captivity, including more than 40 children from communities in his senatorial district and several travellers abducted along the Maiduguri–Biu road. He urged security forces to sustain ongoing operations until the remaining captives are safely returned.
He maintained that the rescue had lifted the spirits of residents across the affected communities, describing it as a moment of gratitude while expressing hope that similar operations would bring relief to other families still awaiting the return of their loved ones.
