The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies for the successful rescue of 360 persons abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State.

In a statement issued on Monday in his official X handle, Atiku said the rescue had brought relief to the victims and their families, ending months of uncertainty and anguish following their abduction in March.

While celebrating the development, the former Vice President noted that Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges, including terrorism and banditry, which require sustained efforts to overcome.

“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees,” he said.

Atiku expressed confidence in the capacity of the armed forces to defeat insurgency if provided with adequate support and effective political leadership.

“I am confident that if provided with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the military will bring to an end the nearly two decades of insurgency,” he stated.

The ADC presidential candidate also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the release of other Nigerians currently held captive by terrorists and bandits across the country.

He specifically referenced the nearly 100 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Mussa in Borno State, calling for urgent action to ensure their safe return.

“Even as we savour this rescue, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue nearly 100 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State, and all other Nigerians still in the custody of terrorists and bandits,” Atiku said.

He further called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, advocating greater emphasis on intelligence gathering, technology-driven operations and proactive measures aimed at preventing attacks before they occur.

“More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and pre-emptive actions that nip terrorist and banditry attacks in the bud before they are carried out,” he added.

The rescue of the 360 abductees in Ngoshe has been widely welcomed, with stakeholders describing it as a major success in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the North-East and other parts of the country.