Borno Confirms Rescue Efforts For Abducted Ngoshe Residents

Borno State government has said that efforts are being made to ensure the return of the over 200 civilians abducted recently by Boko Haram terrorists at Ngoshe in Gwoza local government area of the state after an attack that claimed lives of soldiers and community members, including the Chief Imam of the community.

Addressing Journalists on Wednesday in Maiduguri, in view of the state’s extraordinary security council meeting held on Tuesday over the resurgence of Boko Haram / ISWAP attacks on various communities, the state’s commissioner of information and internal security, Prof Usman Tar, said while the state don’t negotiate with terrorists, it has urged the insurgents to free the captives unconditionally.

The commissioner added that the terrorists released a woman among the captives who returned and explained that the rest in the hands of the terrorists are in good condition.

Prof Tar said the security council meeting attended by all include the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi, all heads of security agencies and heads of ministries, departments and agencies ( MDAs ) , who have mandate on security.

He said the security council reviewed the current security situation in the state, particularly the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in some fragile locations in the state , adding that council took stock of the recent attacks, especially loss of lives and property, as well as loss of military equipment, military and civilian casualties.

The commissioner added that after extensive resolutions, council commiserated with the armed forces of Nigeria and civilian communities over the sad loss of some military commanders, soldiers and civilians as a result of attacks in some locations, especially in Ngoshe, Dalwa, Konduga and other places.

He added that council commended the theatre commander, military formations and other security agencies for their support in safeguarding lives and property in Borno state.

Prof Tar further said that council took note that recently, the theatre commander recently embarked on military mission in the Timbuktu triangle which led to the flushing out of the insurgents out of their safe heavens.

He said the council noted that the recent resurgence of attacks might not be unconnected to the fact that the insurgents are taking the heat from their safe heavens and are now attacking everywhere.

He urged residents of the state to shun fake news and rumours which were orchestrated by enemies who want to cause panic.

He further urged members of the public to support the Nigerian military and other security agencies with provision of intelligence reports to security agencies towards defeating the terrorists.