The House of Representatives on Tuesday tasked Federal Government and Security Agencies with the urgent need to intensify efforts to secure the safe rescue of the 116 schoolchildren and other persons abducted in Lassa, Mussa and along the Buratai-Maiduguri road in Borno State.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion under urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Midala Balami (APC-Borno)
He said: “The House will recall that sometime ago, I stood on the floor of this Honourable House with the sad and grave news of the abduction of 44 schoolchildren and 36 other persons in Mussa and along the Buratai-Maiduguri road, an incident that has continued to cause widespread fear, anguish and anxiety among the affected families and communities, and that this was followed by the abduction of 36 students and 4 teachers in Lassa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
“The House further notes that the continued captivity of the victims poses a serious threat to their lives, safety, education and fundamental rights, while placing an enormous emotional and psychological burden on their families and the affected communities.
“The House is concerned that the affected areas and adjoining communities remain vulnerable to further attacks, abductions and other forms of insecurity if urgent, sustained and coordinated security measures are not strengthened.
According to him, 44 schoolchildren from Mussa were abducted on 15 May 2026, and that on the same day the House considered and adopted a resolution calling for urgent action towards their rescue.
“The House notes with grave concern that, as of the date of this Motion, the 44 schoolchildren from Mussa have spent more than 138 days in captivity while 36 schoolchildren from Lassa have been in captivity for more than 70 days, and other persons abducted along the Buratai-Marduguri Road have remained in captivity for more than 160 days.”
While noting that the prolonged captivity of these innocent schoolchildren and other victims has subjected their families and constituents to unbearable emotional distress, uncertainty and fear, with communities continuously crying out for urgent and decisive action to secure their safe release, the Borno lawmaker acknowledged efforts made by security agencies, local authorities, traditional institutions and community members involved in the search-and-rescue efforts.
Balami, who lamented that despite previous resolutions and ongoing efforts by the relevant authorities, the victims remain in captivity, thereby underscoring the need for a more intensified, coordinated and appropriate approach to their rescue; however, he urged that such efforts be substantially intensified, better coordinated and sustained until all the victims are safely rescued.
He maintained that any further delay in securing the safe release of the abducted persons could expose them to further danger and compound the trauma already suffered by their families and communities.
To this end, the House urged relevant security agencies to intensify and sustain search-and-rescue operations aimed at securing the immediate and safe release of the 116 abducted schoolchildren and all other persons held in captivity.
The lawmakers also called for enhanced intelligence gathering, information sharing and interagency coordination among the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Intelligence Services and other relevant security agencies to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abductions.
The House further tasked security agencies to strengthen security along the Buratai-Maiduguri road, Mussa, Lassa and other identified vulnerable communities and routes, including through increased patrols, intelligence-led operations and appropriate security checkpoints.