Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian military, especially the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, for their heroic rescue of 360 individuals held captive in the Mandara Mountains, a stronghold of terrorists in the southern part of the state.
In a statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Dauda Iliya, Zulum hailed the operation as a remarkable display of bravery, expertise, and intelligence-driven tactics in the ongoing battle against insurgency in the North-East region.
The governor noted that the successful mission, which brought back hundreds of men, women, and children from terrorist captivity, has revitalized hope in affected communities and underscores the collaborative efforts of federal and state authorities along with the military to achieve lasting peace.
He extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, as well as all the troops involved, for their valor and selflessness.
Zulum characterized the rescue of 360 abductees from a Boko Haram enclave as a significant achievement, emphasizing that it demonstrates the power of inter-agency cooperation and the unwavering dedication of security forces to free every citizen from captivity.
The governor reiterated his administration’s pledge to provide logistical support to the military and other security bodies to sustain counter-insurgency operations.
He also urged residents of Mussa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area to stay optimistic, assuring them that efforts are underway to free abducted schoolchildren from that region.
Furthermore, Zulum called on citizens to remain alert, collaborate with security personnel, and share useful information to assist ongoing missions against criminal elements.
Recall that on March 4, suspected gunmen assaulted a military base in Ngoshe, destroying operational vehicles, forcing troops to retreat, killing an unknown number of people, and kidnapping many others.