Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has tasked the Nigerian military to intensify efforts to rescue 79 school children and a teacher abducted by insurgents from two communities in Southern Borno.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the appeal during a visit to the Theatre Command, North East Operation Hadin Kai, where he met with the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.

The senator’s appeal followed the abduction of 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Mussa in May, as well as the subsequent attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where 36 students and a teacher were abducted in June.

A statement issued by Ndume’s media office yesterday said the former Senate Committee Chairman on Army commended the military for its sustained operations against insurgency and the relative improvement in security across Borno State.

He, however, urged the military to sustain the momentum and intensify efforts to locate the victims and secure their safe return to their families.

Ndume said his appeal should not be interpreted as an indictment of the military but as part of his responsibility as a representative of the people to draw attention to their plight and demand action where necessary.

He said: “We know you are making efforts, but because of the anxiety we all share and the length of time these people have remained away from their families, I have to continue to push for greater effort.

“The people are anxious, and the families are waiting. We appreciate what the military is doing, but we will continue to appeal for greater efforts until our people are reunited with their families.”

The senator also acknowledged the significant improvement in the security situation in Borno, attributing the gains to the sacrifices of officers and soldiers deployed across the theatre.

He commended the coordination and synergy among the military and other security agencies, describing the cooperation as a major factor behind the progress recorded in the fight against insurgency.

Responding, Abubakar thanked Ndume for the visit and assured him that the concerns raised over the abducted victims had been noted.

He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ongoing operations aimed at protecting communities, stabilising affected areas and facilitating the safe return of residents displaced by years of insurgency.

The Theatre Commander attributed the achievements recorded in the theatre to the support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, whom he said had a deep understanding of the operational environment in the North-East.

Abubakar further disclosed plans to expand the military’s presence across vulnerable areas through the establishment of new formations, deployment of additional troops and strengthening of existing sectors.

As part of measures to improve security in Southern Borno and adjoining areas of Adamawa State, he disclosed that about 1,000 youths from Southern Borno, mainly from Gwoza Local Government Area, would be recruited into the Nigerian Army.

He said the planned recruitment would strengthen military presence in vulnerable communities and enhance the security architecture in the area.