Ndume Urges Military to Rescue Lassa, Musa Schoolchildren, Biu Travellers
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has urged the military to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of schoolchildren and travellers abducted in Borno State. Ndume made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the newly deployed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, at Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri. The closed-door meeting focused on security concerns affecting Borno and the wider North-East, with the senator identifying the safe recovery of the abductees as his immediate priority. More than 40 pupils and students were reportedly abducted in Mussa, while over 30 students were later abducted in Lassa. Ndume also raised the case of passengers, including a toddler, who were reportedly kidnapped following a terrorist ambush along the Biu-Buratai-Buni Yadi route in February 2026. He said there had been no information on their whereabouts.
Speaking after the meeting, Ndume commended the Nigerian military for its continued efforts against insecurity and said the security situation was improving. He, however, urged troops to sustain efforts towards recovering the Lassa and Mussa schoolchildren as well as the Biu-bound travellers. The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army also highlighted the strategic importance of the Gombe-Biu and Damboa-Maiduguri roads, saying their construction and improvement remained important for security, commerce and movement of people. Ndume welcomed the recent salary increase approved for military personnel by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as an important step towards improving the welfare and motivation of troops. Earlier, Major General Ajose described Ndume as a friend of the military and said the visit provided an opportunity to discuss security issues affecting the North-East. He assured that the military would continue building on its efforts in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
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