Community leaders in Ngoshe praise Tinubu and others, while distancing themselves from Kaigama's involvement in the liberation of 416 hostages

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By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

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MAIDUGURI — The Ngoshe Stakeholders Forum (NSF) in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State has dismissed reports suggesting that Mr. Samaila Kaigama played any role in the rescue of about 416 abducted persons from Ngoshe, while hailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and other stakeholders for their support.

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The forum also dissociated itself from claims made by a group identified as the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), allegedly linked to Kaigama, insisting that neither the group nor its representatives speak for the Ngoshe community.

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Addressing a press conference in Maiduguri on Tuesday, attended by former Gwoza Local Government chairmen and other community stakeholders, the NSF Chairman, Prof. Suleiman Bello, said the claims were false and misleading.

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He said the community was compelled to clarify the matter following reports circulating in the media and social media platforms crediting Kaigama with facilitating the release of the abductees.

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“For the avoidance of doubt, this group is unknown to us, does not represent our people in any capacity, and was never mandated to speak or act on our behalf. Their claims are entirely false, misleading, and should be disregarded,” Bello said.

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He warned against attempts by individuals or groups to exploit humanitarian and security situations for personal gain, noting that such actions could undermine genuine peace efforts.

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The forum urged the public, media organisations, and humanitarian actors to be cautious in engaging with unauthorized groups claiming to represent the community.

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The stakeholders also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to restoring peace in the North-East, as well as Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his leadership in rehabilitation, reconstruction, and resettlement efforts.

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They further commended the Nigerian Army, particularly troops stationed in Ngoshe, Pulka, and Gwoza, as well as the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, for their sacrifices in restoring security.

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Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Rep. Usman Jaha, the Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were also praised for their humanitarian interventions.

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The NSF confirmed that the freed 416 captives have reunited with their families and are currently receiving medical, psychological, and humanitarian care.

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While celebrating the development, the forum appealed for accelerated reconstruction of Ngoshe and surrounding communities, urgent agricultural support ahead of the farming season, and the reconstruction of the Pulka–Ngoshe road, which it described as vital for security and economic recovery.

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“The resilience of the Ngoshe people remains unshaken. With sustained support, Ngoshe will rise stronger, safer, and more prosperous,” the forum added.

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