By Paul Joseph
The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of 416 women, children, and elderly persons reportedly held captive by Boko Haram in Borno State since March 30, 2026.
The resolution followed a fresh wave of attacks by insurgents targeting military formations, alongside reported threats against any forceful rescue operation.
The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Curb Attacks on Military Formations by Boko Haram Insurgents,” was sponsored by Tahir Monguno and co-sponsored by Ali Ndume and Kaka Lawan.
During deliberations, lawmakers voiced deep concern over coordinated insurgent attacks in Monguno and Benisheikh, warning that the renewed violence signals a troubling reversal of progress previously made in counter-terrorism efforts.
Ndume, in particular, raised alarm over the condition and safety of the abducted victims, noting that insurgents had threatened to disperse them if urgent steps were not taken.
Other senators cautioned that the continued targeting of military personnel is spreading fear among residents of affected communities and weakening national security operations.
The Senate also urged a comprehensive review of operational and logistical frameworks within impacted military formations, calling on security chiefs to identify and address gaps in both strategy and equipment.
In addition, lawmakers emphasized the need for improved intelligence gathering and encouraged local communities to support security agencies by providing credible information.
The development comes amid heightened concern following the circulation of a video reportedly showing a faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, displaying the abducted victims in Ngoshe, Gwoza, and issuing warnings against any rescue attempt.
According to reports, the insurgents threatened that failure to meet their demands within 72 hours could result in further harm to the captives, escalating fears over their safety.
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