The House of Representatives has called for urgent action to rescue 116 schoolchildren and other victims abducted in Borno State.
The lawmakers demanded stronger and better-coordinated security operations across affected communities and routes. The call followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Midala Balami on Tuesday.
Reps Seek Rescue of Borno Schoolchildren
Balami drew attention to the prolonged captivity of victims abducted in Mussa, Lassa and along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road.
According to him, 44 schoolchildren were abducted from Mussa on May 15, 2026. He said another 36 students and two teachers were later abducted in Lassa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
The lawmaker said the victims had spent several weeks in captivity by the time of the motion. He said the Mussa schoolchildren had been held for more than 138 days, while those abducted in Lassa had spent more than 70 days in captivity.
Balami also said other people abducted along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road had remained in captivity for more than 160 days. He described the prolonged captivity as a serious concern for the victims, their families and the affected communities.
The development comes after families of Borno abductees previously appealed for stronger government action. In August, families of 116 abducted people called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum to intensify rescue efforts.
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Prolonged Captivity Raises Concern
Balami said the continued captivity had caused serious emotional distress among the victims’ relatives.
He said affected families were facing uncertainty and fear while waiting for the return of their loved ones. He also warned that continued captivity could threaten the victims’ safety, education and fundamental rights.
The lawmaker further said communities in the affected areas remained vulnerable to additional attacks. He therefore called for sustained security operations to protect residents and prevent further abductions.
The House acknowledged the efforts of security agencies, local authorities, traditional institutions and community members. However, lawmakers called for those efforts to become more coordinated and sustained until the victims are rescued.
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House Demands Stronger Security Operations
Following the motion, the House urged relevant security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue operations.
The lawmakers called for efforts aimed at securing the immediate and safe release of the 116 schoolchildren. They also included other people who remain in captivity across the affected areas.
The House further called for stronger intelligence gathering and information sharing. It urged the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, intelligence services and other security agencies to improve coordination.
According to the lawmakers, better intelligence could help security agencies locate the victims. They also called for efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abductions.
The House said security agencies should strengthen operations along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road. It also identified Mussa, Lassa and other vulnerable communities as areas requiring increased security attention.
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NEMA, NEDC Asked to Support Families
The lawmakers also considered the impact of the abductions on affected families and communities.
They urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the North East Development Commission to provide relief materials. The House also called for medical and psychological support for affected families and community members.
The call reflects concerns that prolonged abductions can affect more than the immediate victims. Families may face emotional and financial pressure while communities continue to deal with insecurity.
The House therefore linked the rescue effort with broader support for people affected by the incidents. It also called for stronger protection of communities facing repeated security threats.
For another report on victims of insecurity, read Peter Obi Arrives Jos, Heads to Mangu to Visit Attack Victims.
Previous Resolution Called for Mussa Rescue
The latest motion follows an earlier resolution by the House concerning the Mussa schoolchildren.
Balami recalled that lawmakers had raised the issue on May 15 and called for urgent action. Despite that earlier resolution, the victims remained in captivity when the latest motion was considered.
The lawmaker warned that further delays could expose the victims to additional danger. He also said prolonged captivity could deepen the trauma already experienced by their families and communities.
The House consequently renewed its demand for intensified rescue operations. Lawmakers also stressed the need for sustained action until all the victims are safely located and released.
The renewed call comes amid continuing security concerns across parts of northern Nigeria. Readers can also follow Niger Miners’ Deaths: Survivors Recount Suffocation Inside NSCDC Custody for another recent security-related report.
Families Have Previously Appealed for Help
The latest parliamentary intervention follows an earlier appeal by relatives of the abducted victims.
In August, families said 116 people had been abducted across different parts of Borno State. They appealed to Tinubu and Zulum to strengthen efforts aimed at securing their safe release.
Reports at the time identified schoolchildren from Mussa and Lassa among those still missing. Families also raised concerns about people reportedly abducted along the Buratai Road to Maiduguri and other vulnerable routes.
The Hawul Askira-Uba Elders Forum also joined calls for urgent action. The forum appealed for coordinated efforts involving the Federal Government, Borno State Government, security agencies and intelligence services.
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Reps Want Rescue Efforts Sustained
The House has now asked security agencies to maintain pressure on the perpetrators while continuing efforts to locate the victims.
Lawmakers want increased patrols, intelligence-led operations and appropriate checkpoints around vulnerable communities and routes. They also want closer cooperation between military, police and intelligence agencies.
The House said the objective should remain the safe recovery of the abducted schoolchildren and other victims. It also urged authorities to strengthen protection for communities that remain vulnerable to further attacks.
Balami had earlier acknowledged the work of security agencies and local actors involved in rescue efforts. However, he argued that the continuing captivity of the victims required greater coordination and sustained operations.
Readers can also read Niger Miners’ Deaths: Artisanal Mining President Demands Thorough Investigation for another report on demands for government intervention.
Calls for Immediate Action Continue
The House’s latest resolution places renewed attention on the 116 victims reportedly held in captivity in Borno.
The lawmakers have called for immediate rescue operations, stronger intelligence gathering and better coordination among security agencies. They also want vulnerable communities and routes to receive increased security coverage.
The motion also highlights the wider impact of prolonged abductions on families and communities. Beyond securing the victims, the House wants affected families to receive relief and psychological support.
The latest development comes as calls for the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren continue. Their families and community representatives have previously urged authorities to sustain efforts until the victims return home safely.
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