Ndume meets new theatre commander over abducted Borno schoolchildren, others
The senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has raised the issue of the safe recovery of abducted schoolchildren and travellers with the new Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajose.
Ndume made the appeal on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy visit to Ajose at the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri.
The meeting, which was held behind closed doors, focused on security concerns affecting Borno State and the wider North-East, with the recovery of the abductees among the senator’s major concerns.
More than 40 pupils and students were abducted in Mussa, while over 30 students were later kidnapped in Lassa. Some passengers, including a toddler, were also abducted following a terrorist ambush along the Biu-Buratai-Buni Yadi road in February 2026.
Speaking after the meeting, Ndume commended the military for its efforts to tackle insecurity and urged troops to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abductees.
“The Army must be commended. Alhamdulillah, the security situation is improving. Most of what we discussed will not be disclosed because they are security matters, but certainly, the safe release of the Lassa and Musa schoolchildren and the Biu travellers is my priority for now,” he said.
The Theatre Commander assured Ndume that the military would continue its operations to tackle insecurity in the region.