By SUNTV Global Channel
August 8, 2026
KWARA/NIGERIA — Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called on the Federal Government and affected state governments to provide urgent and comprehensive support for 315 Nigerians reportedly rescued from terrorist captivity across Kwara, Niger and Ogun states.
Ejiofor commended the security agencies involved in the reported rescue operation, describing the mission as a demonstration of courage, professionalism and sacrifice.
However, the lawyer warned that rescuing the victims should not be considered the end of the government’s responsibility, stressing that many survivors could face significant psychological, social and economic difficulties as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
According to Ejiofor, reports concerning the condition of some of the rescued women have highlighted the severity of the experiences endured by victims during their months in captivity.
Citing Alhaji Yakubu Salihu, National Chairman of the Kaiama Development Association, Ejiofor said some of the women were reportedly pregnant during captivity, while others allegedly gave birth before their rescue.
He stressed that such reports demonstrate that physical freedom is only the beginning of a potentially long recovery process for the survivors.
Ejiofor urged the government to establish comprehensive rehabilitation programmes for the rescued victims, including psychological counselling, healthcare, education, housing assistance, livelihood support and financial compensation.
He said prolonged captivity, abduction and violence could leave lasting emotional and psychological scars on survivors, making sustained support necessary.
The lawyer also appealed for special attention to children reportedly born during captivity, stressing that they should not face discrimination or stigma because of the circumstances surrounding their birth.
He maintained that the children are innocent and should be provided with education, healthcare, acceptance and opportunities to build meaningful lives.
Beyond rehabilitation, Ejiofor called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community policing, enhanced cooperation among security agencies and a more effective national security architecture to prevent future abductions.
He questioned why hundreds of Nigerians were able to remain in captivity for several months before their reported rescue.
According to him, the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security system should not be judged solely by the number of hostages rescued, but also by its ability to prevent citizens from being abducted in the first place.
Ejiofor urged the government to use the reported rescue operation as an opportunity to reassess Nigeria’s response to terrorism, kidnapping and the welfare of survivors.
He also called for a system where families would not be left for months in uncertainty over abducted relatives and where children would not be forced to grow up in terrorist captivity.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the lawyer’s appeal comes amid renewed concerns over the humanitarian consequences of terrorism and mass abductions in parts of Nigeria.
The claims concerning the circumstances of the women and children in captivity are attributed to statements cited by Ejiofor and should be treated as reported allegations pending independent verification.
