The Senate has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of 416 women, children and elderly persons held captive by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State since March 30, 2026.

According to African Independent Television on Wednesday, the call followed renewed insurgent attacks on military formations and fresh threats by the terrorists 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 Senator Tahir Monguno and co-sponsored by Senators Ali Ndume and Kaka Lawan.

Leading the debate on the motion, Monguno raised concern over recent coordinated attacks on military formations in Monguno and Benisheikh, noting that the resurgence of insurgent activities is undermining gains recorded in counter-insurgency operations and posing threats to national security.

Contributing, Ndume warned about the fate of the abducted victims, noting that insurgents had issued fresh threats to disperse them if urgent action is not taken, and called for swift intervention by both the National Assembly and the Presidency.

Also speaking, Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central) said the continued attacks on military personnel were instilling fear among Nigerians, warning that the killing of senior officers and security personnel sends a dangerous signal.

Senator Abdul Ningi, in his contribution, urged the Federal Government to consider more drastic measures, including the possible suspension of political activities in frontline states until significant progress is made in addressing insecurity.

In its resolutions, the Senate “strongly condemned the continued attacks by Boko Haram on military formations” and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers.

The lawmakers also called on the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to “conduct a comprehensive operational and logistical audit of the affected military formations… to identify and address gaps in equipment and operational strategy.”

They further urged the Armed Forces to “strengthen adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law” and to “thoroughly investigate allegations of harm to civilians during military operations.”

The Senate also encouraged local communities to support security agencies with “credible and timely information,” while commending troops of Operation Hadin Kai for their bravery and urging the Federal Government to prioritise their welfare.

The development follows the release of a video by a faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, showing the abducted victims in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

In the footage, the insurgents warned against any rescue attempt and threatened that failure to meet their demands within 72 hours could lead to the victims being dispersed.

The victims were abducted after insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe in early March, burning operational vehicles, dispersing security personnel, and killing an unspecified number of people before taking several others into captivity. (The PUNCH)

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