Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has renewed his call for the federal government to be proactive in its campaign against insurgency and banditry, following the abduction of students sitting NECO examinations in the Lassa area of Borno State.

Reports said attackers disguised as soldiers and members of the new Forest Guard outfit shot sporadically before seizing about 42 students and women selling food on the school premises. Ndume, who represents Borno South, called the fresh abduction disconcerting and appealed to security forces to redouble efforts and secure the safe return of the victims, arguing that the way to reassure Nigerians was to take the fight to the terrorists’ hideouts.

Separately, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede called for coordinated continental responses and stronger military cooperation across Africa to tackle threats including terrorism, transnational crime, maritime insecurity and cyber threats. He spoke, through a representative, at an induction programme for members of the African Union Peace and Security Council’s Military Staff Committee.

The Northern Elders Progressive Movement, meanwhile, commended the administration for progress against insecurity, particularly in the North West, saying the armed forces had dismantled criminal enclaves and restored hope, even as isolated attacks continued.

The Joint Task Force North East said top Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders had abandoned their enclaves and surrendered following sustained operations, with spokesman Captain Mohammed Goni saying they were being profiled and debriefed, and that 76 foot soldiers along with some family members surrendered within the past week.