Zulum pledges to rescue abducted Ngoshe villagers in Borno

…visits IDPs, disburses cash, palliatives to over 30,000 Ngoshe, Pulka households

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has reassured residents of Gwoza and surrounding communities of strengthened security measures and sustained humanitarian support following recent attacks, stressing that all those in captivity will be rescued.

He spent the entire Saturday night coordinating security activities in Pulka, following the recent attacks in Ngoshe, Pulka and other communities in Gwoza.

BusinessDay reports that Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area, was attacked on 4th March, 2026, forcing residents to flee their homes and over 300 villagers are still held by the terrorists.

Governor Zulum stated this at the weekend, during a confidence- and resilience-building visit to the displaced persons in Ngoshe, who are currently taking refuge in Pulka.

It will be recalled that this is the second time Governor Zulum would be visiting victims of Ngoshe, who is deeply disturbed
about the security situation not only in Gwoza, but also in the entire State.

Addressing the displaced persons at the Pulka Central Primary School, Governor Zulum said the visit was aimed at reinforcing Government support, boosting public confidence and engaging stakeholders on improved security strategies.

“The major reason why we are here is first and foremost to once again sympathise with them and to convey our deepest sympathy, and to assure them that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Borno State Government will do everything possible to strengthen the security of the entire Gwoza community”, he said.

This is the first time a sitting governor has slept in Pulka, a community which is 22 kilometres from Gwoza, where he held a security meeting with the Brigade Commander, military officers, security personnel and civilian JTF to discuss strengthening security in the general area.

He said leadership is all about commitment and sacrifice, which has been the hallmark of his Administration since he assumed office.

“Leadership is not about living in your comfort zone and addressing people and their concerns, but coming directly to the doorsteps of the less privileged. This has been my tradition, this has been my culture since I assumed duty as the governor of the State.

“I cannot remember when I lived consecutively for 10 days in my office or even one week since I assumed duty. I’m always in the remote areas attending to people, and I believe this is what we should do from now on to the end of my own administration”, he noted.

The governor distributed cash, food and non-food items to over 30,000 affected households in Ngoshe and Pulka communities, saying the relief items were
intended to provide succour to victims of the attack and to the host communities.

“Each male and female head of household in the household will receive N30,000, while married women will receive N20,000. In addition, mattresses and clothing will be distributed to both men and women”, Govenror Zulum announced.

The governor stated that the intervention was prompted by the influx of displaced persons from neighbouring areas.

He further acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, who donated 30,000 bags of 10kg rice to support vulnerable populations in the State.

“Out of the 30,000 bags, the Pulka community will benefit from the scheme. We are distributing both food and non-food items not only to Ngoshe but also Pulka, which is also to a displacement-affected community,” he noted.

He informed them that the Government would rebuild destroyed infrastructure and ensure a safe, dignified return of any person willing to return to the community.

He urged residents to collaborate with security agencies to enhance resilience and prevent future attacks.

“Most of them have left their homes for about two weeks, and we believe there is a need to provide palliatives. By tomorrow morning, we shall provide food and non-food items to heads of households and married women,” he added.

On security, the governor said consultations would be held with military commanders and local security outfits, including the Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes, to strengthen operations in the area.

“Tonight, we shall discuss with the brigade commander, military officers, and all security personnel on how to strengthen security around this general area,” he said.

Governor Zulum emphasised that ongoing counter-terrorism efforts are being driven by strong collaboration between security forces and local communities.

“What is ongoing here is a result of a very serious partnership between the army, other security personnel, and the community. The Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes are working under the command and control of the Nigerian Army,” he noted.

He called on residents of affected communities in Gwoza to remain patient and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them of sustained efforts by both the federal and state governments to restore lasting peace.

“They should give the necessary cooperation to all security agencies with a view to identifying culprits within the society. Information is a very valuable tool for addressing insecurity. Without the support of the community, insecurity will never end,” he added.