Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has commended the Nigerian military, the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) following the rescue of 416 persons who had been held captive by insurgents in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescued individuals, many of whom had spent years under the control of insurgent groups, were reportedly freed during sustained military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds in parts of the North-East. The development marks one of the largest recent rescue efforts in the region and has been welcomed by residents and humanitarian organisations. (“vanguardngr.com” (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/06/ndume-commends-military-zulum-nema-over-rescue-of-416-ngoshe-captives/))
Ndume praised the role played by the armed forces, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and NEMA in facilitating the rescue and providing immediate humanitarian support for the victims. He noted that many of those rescued had endured years of hardship, displacement and uncertainty while living under insurgent control.
The senator also called for sustained military operations and greater support for communities affected by conflict, stressing that the liberation of captives must be accompanied by rehabilitation, resettlement and economic assistance to help survivors rebuild their lives.
The rescue comes amid ongoing efforts by security forces to reclaim territories previously occupied by insurgent groups and to secure communities across Borno and neighbouring states. While military authorities have recorded gains in recent operations, insecurity remains a major challenge in parts of the North-East, where attacks, displacement and humanitarian crises continue to affect millions of people.
Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly emphasised the need for long-term support for victims of conflict, many of whom face challenges ranging from psychological trauma and loss of livelihoods to inadequate access to healthcare, education and shelter.
For many families, the rescue of the 416 captives represents a moment of relief after years of separation and uncertainty. However, it also serves as a reminder of the broader security and humanitarian crisis that continues to confront communities across the region.
