Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has urged the military to intensify efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from Mussa and Lassa communities, as well as passengers kidnapped along the Biu-Buratai-Buni Yadi road.

Ndume made the call on Wednesday during a closed-door meeting with the newly deployed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, at the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri.

The meeting focused on security challenges affecting Borno State and the wider North-East, with the safe recovery of the abducted persons among the senator’s major concerns.

More than 40 pupils and students were abducted from Mussa, while another group of more than 30 students was later kidnapped in Lassa.

Passengers travelling along the Biu-Buratai-Buni Yadi axis, including a toddler, were also reportedly abducted during a terrorist ambush in February 2026, with no confirmed information on their whereabouts.

Speaking after the meeting, Ndume commended the military for its efforts in tackling insecurity but urged troops to sustain the pressure until all the victims were safely recovered.

“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 senator also highlighted the strategic importance of major roads linking communities in Borno South, including the Gombe–Biu and Damboa–Maiduguri roads.

He said he had consistently advocated the construction and rehabilitation of the roads because of their importance to security, commerce and the movement of people across the region.

Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, also welcomed the recent salary increase approved for military personnel by President Bola Tinubu.

He described the increase as an important step towards improving the welfare and motivation of members of the Armed Forces, saying better welfare would complement the sacrifices made by troops in securing communities.

Earlier, Major General Ajose described Ndume as a friend of the military and said the senator’s visit provided an opportunity to discuss security challenges affecting the North-East.

The Theatre Commander appreciated Ndume for consistently prioritising the security and welfare of his constituents and assured him that the military would continue to build on its successes in the fight against insecurity.