The Senate has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of 416 victims, mostly women, children, and elderly persons, held captive by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State since March 30, 2026.
The resolution followed renewed attacks on military formations and fresh threats by the insurgents against any forceful rescue attempt.
The call was triggered 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.
Leading the debate, Monguno expressed concern over recent coordinated attacks on military formations in Monguno and Benisheikh, warning that the resurgence of insurgency threatens national security and undermines gains in counter-terrorism efforts.
Contributing, Ndume warned that insurgents had issued threats to disperse the abducted victims if urgent action is not taken, and called for swift intervention by both the National Assembly and the Presidency.
Also speaking, Senator Diket Plang said persistent attacks on military personnel were instilling fear among Nigerians, noting that the killing of senior officers sends a dangerous signal.
In his remarks, Senator Abdul Ningi urged the Federal Government to consider more decisive measures, including the possible suspension of political activities in frontline states until security improves.
In its resolutions, the Senate strongly condemned the continued attacks on military formations and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers.
The lawmakers also urged the Armed Forces to strengthen adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, while thoroughly investigating allegations of civilian harm during operations.
The Senate further encouraged communities to support security agencies with credible intelligence and commended troops of Operation Hadin Kai for their efforts, urging the government to prioritise their welfare.
The development follows the emergence of a video by a faction of Boko Haram showing the abducted victims in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.
In the footage, the insurgents warned against any rescue attempt and threatened to disperse the captives if their demands are not met within 72 hours.
The victims were abducted after insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe in early March, burning operational vehicles, dispersing troops, and killing an unspecified number of people before taking others into captivity.
