Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has assured him that security agencies will intensify efforts to rescue children abducted from Mussa and other communities in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state.
Zulum made this known on Friday after meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where they discussed the security situation in Borno State.
According to the governor, Tinubu pledged that the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser would take necessary measures to secure the release of the abducted children.
Zulum said he had drawn the President’s attention to the recent abductions in Askira-Uba, particularly the incident involving children from Mussa and neighbouring communities.
He expressed optimism that coordinated efforts by the security agencies would lead to their rescue soon.
Abducted Children Have Spent Nearly Five Months in Captivity
The abduction has raised serious concerns among residents and affected families, who have continued to call for urgent government intervention.
Gunmen reportedly abducted between 42 and 44 children from a primary and junior secondary school, as well as nearby homes in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, on May 15, 2026.
As of October 9, the children had spent nearly five months in captivity, leaving their parents and relatives anxiously awaiting their safe return.
Zulum had previously stated in August that President Tinubu was committed to ensuring the children were rescued.
The latest assurance comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Borno State, where insurgency, kidnappings and attacks have affected communities and disrupted normal activities.
Zulum Reports Improvement in Borno Security
Despite the recent abductions, the governor said the security situation in Borno had improved considerably over the past six months to one year.
He attributed the progress to ongoing security operations and efforts to restore normal life in communities previously affected by insurgency.
Zulum also disclosed that the state government had facilitated the return of more than two million displaced residents to their ancestral homes over the past seven years.
However, he acknowledged that some locations remained vulnerable and required additional security measures before residents could safely return.
One of the areas receiving particular attention is Kareto, located along the route between Damasak and Gubio.
According to the governor, the approximately 100-kilometre stretch has experienced repeated attacks and abductions, making it a major security concern.
He said the Chief of Army Staff had approved plans to establish a community and a military formation in the area.
Zulum expressed confidence that the proposed military presence would help strengthen security and prevent further attacks along the route.
Maiduguri-Biu Road Set for Reopening
The governor also announced plans to reopen the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road, which has remained a major concern for travellers because of security challenges.
He explained that residents travelling from Maiduguri to Biu had been forced to take a longer route through Gombe, covering approximately 600 to 700 kilometres instead of the shorter journey of about 200 kilometres.
Zulum said the road was expected to reopen by November or December 2026 at the latest.
He added that plans were underway to establish another community in Sabangari to strengthen security in the area and encourage the return of normal activities.
The governor further stated that the government would address security concerns in other vulnerable locations, including parts of Chibok and Askira-Uba, where recent abductions had occurred.
1,000 Forest Guards to Be Deployed
As part of efforts to strengthen security across the state, Zulum disclosed that approximately 1,000 forest guards had undergone training and would soon be deployed.
The guards are expected to complement existing security operations, particularly in forested areas and communities where armed groups have previously operated.
Their deployment is part of broader efforts to improve surveillance, prevent attacks and protect residents in vulnerable locations.
NNPC Set to Resume Oil Exploration in Borno
Beyond security, Zulum revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had informed the state government of plans to resume oil exploration activities in the North-East, particularly in Borno State.
He said exploration activities had been suspended for approximately one to two years because of logistical challenges and other operational issues.
According to the governor, the company had communicated its intention to resume operations through a letter sent to state governors, adding that he had received the correspondence.
The development follows renewed calls for the Federal Government to revive oil exploration activities in the Chad Basin.
On October 3, Zulum urged the Federal Government, during the North-East Governors’ Forum meeting in Maiduguri, to revisit stalled exploration activities in Magumeri and Gubio local government areas.
Oil exploration in the Chad Basin resumed in 2023, when former President Muhammadu Buhari flagged off drilling activities in Borno State.
The planned resumption could renew attention on the region’s petroleum potential, although the timing and scope of the proposed operations remain to be confirmed.
Security and Development Remain Key Priorities
Borno State continues to face the challenge of balancing security operations with the rehabilitation of communities affected by years of insurgency.
While the return of displaced residents and plans to reopen major roads represent progress, recent abductions highlight the continuing risks faced by vulnerable communities.
The success of the latest rescue commitment will depend on the effectiveness of security operations and cooperation among the relevant agencies.
For families of the abducted children, the immediate priority remains their safe return home.
