The senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has appealed to the new Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and travellers in the state.
Ndume made the appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Ajose at the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri.
The closed-door meeting focused on security challenges affecting Borno State and the wider North-East, with the safe recovery of the abductees among the senator’s major concerns.
More than 40 pupils and students were abducted in Mussa, while over 30 students were later kidnapped in Lassa. Some travellers, including a toddler, were also abducted following a terrorist ambush along the Biu-Buratai-Buni Yadi road in February 2026.
Speaking after the meeting, Ndume commended the military for its efforts in tackling insecurity but urged troops to intensify operations to secure the release of the victims.
“The Army must be commended. Alhamdulillah, the security situation is improving. Most of what we discussed will not be disclosed because they are security matters, but certainly, the safe release of the Lassa and Musa schoolchildren and the Biu travellers is my priority for now,” he said.
The Theatre Commander assured Ndume that the military would continue its operations to address insecurity across the region.
