The Nigerian Senate has raised fresh concern over the continued captivity of 416 women, children and elderly persons reportedly held by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, urging the Federal Government to take urgent steps to secure their release.
Lawmakers said the abductees have remained in detention since March 30, 2026, amid a worsening security situation in parts of the North-East, where insurgents have intensified attacks on military installations and surrounding communities.
The appeal was made during plenary following a motion jointly sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno and co-sponsored by Senators Ali Ndume and Kaka Lawan, focusing on the recent spike in coordinated assaults on security formations in Monguno and Benisheikh.
While presenting the motion, Monguno described the situation as alarming, warning that renewed insurgent activities are threatening gains previously recorded in counter-terrorism operations and putting both civilians and security personnel at risk.
Senator Ali Ndume, contributing to the debate, expressed concern over the fate of the abducted persons, noting that reports indicated insurgents had issued threats against any attempt at a forceful rescue. He called for immediate and coordinated intervention by both the executive arm and security agencies.
Other lawmakers, including Senator Diket Plang, warned that repeated attacks on military formations and the killing of personnel could deepen fear among citizens and undermine national morale. Senator Abdul Ningi also urged stronger measures, suggesting extraordinary steps may be required to restore stability in affected areas.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously condemned the continued attacks on military targets and observed a minute of silence in honour of soldiers killed in recent operations.
It further mandated the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs to carry out a detailed review of ongoing military operations in the affected zones, with emphasis on identifying operational gaps, logistics challenges, and equipment needs.
The upper chamber also called for improved adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian standards during operations, alongside proper investigation of any reported civilian casualties linked to military actions.
In addition, senators urged communities in affected states to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and reliable intelligence, while commending troops involved in ongoing counter-insurgency operations for their commitment.
The resolution follows reports of a video allegedly released by a Boko Haram faction showing some of the abducted victims in Gwoza Local Government Area, where threats were issued warning against rescue attempts within a short timeframe.
