Senate urges Nigerian govt to rescue 416 Boko Haram captives in Borno
Senate Calls for Urgent Action to Secure Release of Boko Haram Captives
The Senate has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of 416 individuals—primarily women, children, and the elderly—held captive by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State since March 30, 2026.
The resolution was prompted by a recent escalation of attacks on military formations and renewed threats from the insurgents against any potential rescue operations. The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Curb Attacks on Military Formations by Boko Haram Insurgents,” was sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno and co-sponsored by Senators Ali Ndume and Kaka Lawan.
During the debate, Monguno expressed grave concern over coordinated assaults on military installations in the regions of Monguno and Benisheikh. He warned that this resurgence of insurgency poses a significant threat to national security and undermines the progress made in counter-terrorism initiatives.
Senator Ndume highlighted that insurgents have threatened to disperse the captives if immediate measures are not taken, urging swift action from both the National Assembly and the Presidency.
Senator Diket Plang noted that ongoing attacks on military personnel are instilling fear among citizens, emphasizing that the killing of senior officers sends a troubling message.
In his remarks, Senator Abdul Ningi suggested the Federal Government consider implementing more decisive actions, including the potential suspension of political activities in frontline states until security conditions improve.
The Senate condemned the continued assaults on military formations and observed a moment of silence in honor of the fallen soldiers. Additionally, lawmakers urged the Armed Forces to reinforce adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law while thoroughly investigating claims of civilian casualties during operations.
The Senate also called on communities to aid security agencies with credible intelligence and commended the troops of Operation Hadin Kai for their ongoing efforts. They urged the government to prioritize the welfare of these military personnel.
This development follows the release of a video by a faction of Boko Haram, which displayed the abducted victims in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area. In the footage, the insurgents threatened against any rescue attempts and warned they would disperse the captives if their conditions are not met within 72 hours.
The victims were taken during an attack on a military base in Ngoshe in early March, where insurgents burned operational vehicles, disrupted troop activities, and killed an unspecified number of individuals before taking others captive.
