Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has commended the Nigerian Army for its role in securing the release of hundreds of residents of Ngoshe community in Borno State from insurgent captivity.
The military recently rescued 360 victims who had been held captive by insurgents since March. The operation was carried out on Saturday by security forces as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the region.
Reacting to the development in a statement on Sunday, Ndume praised the troops for what he described as a remarkable operation against the insurgents.
He lauded the professionalism, patriotism, and courage of officers and soldiers involved in the mission despite the challenges confronting them.
“We must applaud the professionalism and spectacular patriotism of men and officers of the Nigerian Army who continue to exhibit outstanding courage in the face of obvious logistical challenges,” he said.
The senator also expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza for their leadership and commitment.
Ndume further called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to support ongoing efforts by the military and the Borno State Government to rehabilitate Ngoshe and facilitate the return of displaced residents.
According to him, many of the displaced persons are willing to leave internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and return home, provided the community is rebuilt and made habitable.
“We urge the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to rise to the occasion and complement the efforts of the Borno State Government in rebuilding Ngoshe,” he said.
He also commended the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, for providing relief materials to displaced residents, describing the intervention as timely and necessary.
Ndume stressed the need for sustained humanitarian support to help affected communities recover and rebuild their lives following years of insurgency.
