Ndume Raises Alarm as Over 400 Abducted in Fresh North-East Attacks

Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s North-East, disclosing that more than 400 residents are currently being held captive by terrorists following recent coordinated attacks on communities in Borno State.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Ndume described the situation as deeply distressing, noting that the victims include women, children, and elderly residents.

“I just returned from the affected communities. We have records indicating over 400 people in captivity, as seen in disturbing videos released by the terrorists,” he said.

The lawmaker painted a grim picture of devastation in communities such as Goshe, where he said homes and critical infrastructure have been almost entirely wiped out.

“Everything has been destroyed in Goshe. As I mentioned previously, only a small mosque remains standing,” he stated.

Ndume further revealed that displaced residents who fled to Pulka are living under severe humanitarian conditions and are increasingly calling for permission to return to their ancestral homes despite the destruction.

“Our people are resilient. They prefer returning to Goshe, even if only to camp temporarily, rather than remain in the difficult conditions of IDP camps in Pulka,” he said.

According to him, the influx of displaced persons has overwhelmed facilities in Pulka, with many now sheltered in a primary school, disrupting academic activities.

“They are occupying a primary school, effectively displacing pupils. It would be better to allow them return to Goshe, where they are willing to live even in makeshift shelters,” Ndume added.

He stressed the urgent need to rehabilitate the Pulka–Goshe road, describing its poor condition as a major constraint for both civilians and security operations.

“The insurgents are exploiting the fact that the 12-kilometre road between Pulka and Goshe is not motorable. Fixing it would reduce travel time to about 10 to 20 minutes,” he explained.

On the resurgence of attacks, Ndume attributed the escalation to retaliatory strikes by insurgents following recent military offensives that targeted their leadership.

“When security forces eliminated several of their commanders, the insurgents regrouped and launched retaliatory attacks, now even targeting military leadership,” he said.

While declining to comment directly on intelligence lapses, the senator noted that inconsistent and unpredictable responses by security agencies have weakened efforts to contain the crisis.

“There was an expectation of decisive action following the declaration of a state of emergency on security, but the response has not been consistent or predictable enough,” he said.

Ndume also highlighted challenges facing troops on the frontline, citing inadequate equipment, insufficient manpower, and low morale.

“Our soldiers are doing their best under difficult conditions, but they need more equipment, greater numbers, and stronger motivation,” he said.

He maintained that the insurgency could be significantly curtailed within a short timeframe if the government demonstrates sufficient political will.

“If the government is determined, this can be addressed within six months. What is required is proper training, equipment, and motivation for our troops,” he asserted.

The senator further called for enhanced coordination between federal and state authorities, proposing the establishment of a centralised security “situation room” for real-time intelligence sharing and rapid response.

“If a state of emergency on security is declared, it must be reflected at all levels. A situation room should be in place where the President receives constant briefings and immediate decisions are taken,” he said.

Ndume also urged the international community, particularly the United States, to support Nigeria with intelligence sharing, advanced surveillance technology, and specialised military expertise.

“What we urgently need is intelligence and technology. We lack sufficient drones. With proper deployment of surveillance systems, this challenge can be greatly reduced,” he noted.

Explaining how such a large number of people could be abducted without interception, Ndume pointed to the terrain and structure of rural communities in the region.

“These communities are closely linked, and movement is mostly by foot or bicycle. Many of these areas are largely ungoverned, making them vulnerable,” he explained.

He added that the insurgency has evolved from its origins as an extremist movement into a complex network combining terrorism, criminality, and opportunistic violence.

“It began as an ideological movement but has transformed into terrorism and even a form of business, with criminal elements infiltrating it and expanding its reach,” Ndume said.

The senator warned that the crisis is no longer confined to the North-East, noting a troubling spread of violence to other regions.

“States in the North-West—Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina—are now experiencing similar levels of killings and kidnappings. The threat is expanding,” he cautioned.