The House of Representatives has called for intensified security operations to secure the immediate and safe release of 116 schoolchildren and other victims abducted in Borno State.
The call followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Midala Balami, who raised concerns over the prolonged captivity of victims abducted in Mussa, Lassa and along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road.
Balami said 44 schoolchildren were abducted from Mussa on May 15, 2026, alongside 36 other persons in Mussa and along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road.
He also recalled the abduction of 36 students and two teachers in Lassa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
According to him, the Mussa schoolchildren had spent more than 138 days in captivity, while those abducted in Lassa had spent more than 70 days. Other victims abducted along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road had remained in captivity for more than 160 days.
Balami said the prolonged captivity had subjected the victims’ families and affected communities to emotional distress, uncertainty and fear, urging urgent action to secure their release.
The lawmaker called for search-and-rescue operations to be intensified, better coordinated and sustained until all the victims were rescued.
The House subsequently urged security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue operations and strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible.
It also called for increased security along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road, Mussa, Lassa and other vulnerable communities through increased patrols, intelligence-led operations and security checkpoints.
The lawmakers further urged the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the North East Development Commission, NEDC, to provide relief materials as well as medical and psychological support to affected families and communities.
Reps demand immediate rescue of 116 schoolchildren, other Borno abductees