By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

PreTinubu Directs Security Agencies to Secure Release of Abducted Borno Children

President assures Borno Governor Zulum of coordinated rescue operations as families continue to demand the safe return of children held in captivity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, that security agencies will intensify efforts to rescue children abducted from communities in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The President gave the assurance during a meeting with Governor Zulum at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the governor raised concerns over recent attacks and the continued captivity of children abducted from Mussa, Lassa and other affected communities.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Zulum said Tinubu had directed relevant security institutions to take necessary measures to secure the victims’ release.

According to the governor, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) are expected to play key roles in the rescue efforts.

Zulum expressed hope that the intervention would lead to the safe return of the abducted children and strengthen security in vulnerable communities across Borno State. <Cite refs={[“turn268987news0″,”turn268987search10”]}/>

Zulum Highlights Security Improvements

The governor also reported improvements in Borno’s security situation over the past six months, attributing the progress to sustained efforts by security agencies and the state government.

He disclosed that more than two million internally displaced persons had returned to their ancestral communities over the past seven years, although efforts to restore normal life in other affected settlements remain ongoing.

However, Zulum identified Kareto, a community located along the route between Damasak and Gubio, as an area requiring additional security attention because of recurring threats.

He expressed optimism that establishing a military formation in Kareto would strengthen security operations and help protect communities along the approximately 100-kilometre corridor.

Government Plans to Reopen Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu Road

Zulum further disclosed plans to reopen the Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu road, which has remained a major concern for residents and travellers.

According to him, the closure has forced motorists to use alternative routes through Gombe, increasing travel distances to between 600 and 700 kilometres, compared with approximately 200 kilometres along the direct route.

The governor said the Chief of Army Staff had initiated plans to train about 1,000 forest guards, who are expected to be deployed between November and December to support security operations.

He added that the deployment could contribute to improving security along the affected corridor and facilitate the reopening of the road.

Efforts to Restore Affected Communities

The governor also outlined plans to rebuild and restore communities affected by insecurity, including Sabon Gari, while strengthening security in vulnerable parts of Chibok and Askira/Uba local government areas.

He said the state government remained committed to supporting the return of displaced residents and restoring economic and social activities in communities previously affected by attacks.

Oil Exploration Expected to Resume in Borno

In another development, Zulum announced that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had communicated plans to resume oil exploration activities in Borno and other parts of the North-East.

He explained that exploration had been suspended for approximately one to two years because of logistical challenges.

According to the governor, the company’s Frontier Exploration Services had informed the affected state governments of its intention to restart operations.

The proposed resumption would mark a renewed effort to advance petroleum exploration in the region.

Meanwhile, the immediate priority remains securing the release of the abducted children and improving protection for residents of communities facing persistent security threats.

The President’s assurance comes amid continued calls by affected families and community representatives for urgent action to bring the children home safely.sident assures Borno Governor Zulum of coordinated rescue operations as families continue to demand the safe return of children held in captivity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, that security agencies will intensify efforts to rescue children abducted from communities in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The President gave the assurance during a meeting with Governor Zulum at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the governor raised concerns over recent attacks and the continued captivity of children abducted from Mussa, Lassa and other affected communities.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Zulum said Tinubu had directed relevant security institutions to take necessary measures to secure the victims’ release.

According to the governor, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) are expected to play key roles in the rescue efforts.

Zulum expressed hope that the intervention would lead to the safe return of the abducted children and strengthen security in vulnerable communities across Borno State. <Cite refs={[“turn268987news0″,”turn268987search10”]}/>

Zulum Highlights Security Improvements

The governor also reported improvements in Borno’s security situation over the past six months, attributing the progress to sustained efforts by security agencies and the state government.

He disclosed that more than two million internally displaced persons had returned to their ancestral communities over the past seven years, although efforts to restore normal life in other affected settlements remain ongoing.

However, Zulum identified Kareto, a community located along the route between Damasak and Gubio, as an area requiring additional security attention because of recurring threats.

He expressed optimism that establishing a military formation in Kareto would strengthen security operations and help protect communities along the approximately 100-kilometre corridor.

Government Plans to Reopen Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu Road

Zulum further disclosed plans to reopen the Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu road, which has remained a major concern for residents and travellers.

According to him, the closure has forced motorists to use alternative routes through Gombe, increasing travel distances to between 600 and 700 kilometres, compared with approximately 200 kilometres along the direct route.

The governor said the Chief of Army Staff had initiated plans to train about 1,000 forest guards, who are expected to be deployed between November and December to support security operations.

He added that the deployment could contribute to improving security along the affected corridor and facilitate the reopening of the road.

Efforts to Restore Affected Communities

The governor also outlined plans to rebuild and restore communities affected by insecurity, including Sabon Gari, while strengthening security in vulnerable parts of Chibok and Askira/Uba local government areas.

He said the state government remained committed to supporting the return of displaced residents and restoring economic and social activities in communities previously affected by attacks.

Oil Exploration Expected to Resume in Borno

In another development, Zulum announced that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had communicated plans to resume oil exploration activities in Borno and other parts of the North-East.

He explained that exploration had been suspended for approximately one to two years because of logistical challenges.

According to the governor, the company’s Frontier Exploration Services had informed the affected state governments of its intention to restart operations.

The proposed resumption would mark a renewed effort to advance petroleum exploration in the region.

Meanwhile, the immediate priority remains securing the release of the abducted children and improving protection for residents of communities facing persistent security threats.

The President’s assurance comes amid continued calls by affected families and community representatives for urgent action to bring the children home safely.