Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday visited 434 rescued residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in securing their release.
Zulum said the development followed sustained efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies in restoring peace and stability in the North-East.
He explained that the rescued victims comprised 357 persons freed through coordinated security operations, while about 82 others had earlier regained freedom in smaller batches, bringing the total to 434.
The victims were abducted during a violent attack on Ngoshe, a border community in Gwoza LGA, allegedly by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The governor particularly praised President Tinubu for what he described as his commitment and direct interest in ensuring the safe return of the abducted residents.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State and Gwoza community in particular, to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the efforts that he has been making in ensuring the return of peace and stability not only to Borno State but to the entire country,” Zulum said.
Zulum also commended the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, as well as local security support groups, for their coordination in the rescue effort.
He noted that the state government had commenced rehabilitation works in Ngoshe community to enable the safe return of displaced residents, adding that the project was nearing completion.
The governor added that discussions were ongoing with the military to ensure the safe and dignified return of willing residents to their communities.
Zulum further directed the distribution of relief materials, including food and non-food items, to the rescued victims as part of immediate humanitarian support.
The rescued persons are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility before reintegration into their communities.
