The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of 416 individuals abducted by Boko Haram in Borno State.
The victims, comprising mostly women, children, and elderly persons, have reportedly been held in captivity since March 30, 2026. The call for action follows renewed attacks on military formations, alongside fresh threats issued by insurgents warning against any forceful rescue attempt.
The resolution was prompted by a motion titled “Urgent Need to Curb Attacks on Military Formations by Boko Haram Insurgents,” sponsored by Tahir Monguno and co-sponsored by Ali Ndume and Kaka Lawan.
During deliberations, Monguno expressed concern over recent coordinated attacks on military installations in Monguno and Benisheikh, noting that the resurgence of insurgent activities poses a significant threat to national security and risks reversing progress made in counter-terrorism operations.
Contributing to the debate, Ali Ndume warned that insurgents had threatened to disperse the abducted individuals if swift intervention is not undertaken, calling for immediate action by both the National Assembly and the Presidency.
Other lawmakers also raised concerns about the broader implications of ongoing attacks. Diket Plang observed that repeated assaults on military personnel are instilling fear among citizens, while Abdul Ningi advocated for more decisive measures, including the possible suspension of political activities in frontline states until security conditions improve.
In its resolutions, the Senate strongly condemned the continued attacks on military formations and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers. It also urged the Armed Forces to strengthen adherence to established rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, while ensuring thorough investigation of any allegations involving civilian harm during operations.
The lawmakers further encouraged communities to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and commended troops of Operation HADIN KAI for their ongoing efforts. They also called on the government to prioritise the welfare of military personnel engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
The development follows the emergence of a video reportedly released by a faction of Boko Haram, showing the abducted individuals in Ngoshe, located in Gwoza Local Government Area. In the footage, the insurgents issued warnings against any rescue attempt and threatened to disperse the captives if their demands are not met within 72 hours.
The victims were reportedly abducted after insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe in early March, destroying operational vehicles, dispersing troops, and causing casualties before taking several individuals into captivity.
