Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the rescue of 360 persons abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, while warning that Nigeria’s security crisis remains far from over.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mr Abubakar expressed elation at the development, which brings to an end the ordeal of the abductees and the anguish of their loved ones since their capture in March.
He acknowledged the role of the military and all other security agencies involved in the safe rescue operation, expressing confidence that with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the armed forces could bring an end to nearly two decades of insurgency.
However, the former Vice President cautioned that the nation remains confronted with persistent threats from terrorism and banditry attacks.
Even as Nigerians savour the rescue, Mr Abubakar urged the government and the military to intensify efforts to free nearly 100 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa, Borno State, as well as all other citizens still in the custody of terrorists and bandits.
More importantly, he called for a fundamental rejig of the nation’s security architecture – one that prioritises intelligence gathering, technology, and preemptive actions capable of nipping terrorist and banditry attacks in the bud before they are carried out.
