The Senate has called on the military to urgently redeploy personnel and advanced equipment to Borno and Yobe States in response to a fresh wave of attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in the region.
This decision follows deadly assaults in the North-East, including the killing of over a dozen soldiers in Marte, Monguno Local Government Area, on May 12, and another attack on Gajiram, the administrative centre of Nganzai Local Government Area, early Tuesday.
Raising a motion, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Munguno recalled that while Boko Haram once controlled two-thirds of Borno’s local government areas, coordinated military and civilian efforts had reclaimed most of the territory.
However, the apparent lull in insurgent activity led to the tactical command’s shift to the North-West, where forces are focused on combating kidnapping and banditry.
Munguno expressed worry over the insurgents’ changing methods, noting their use of modern technology such as drones and the increased deployment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have caused significant loss of lives and hindered transport systems.
The Senate urged military leaders to redeploy sufficient troops to the North-East and equip them with cutting-edge technology to effectively counter the insurgents. It also tasked the committees on army and air force with overseeing the implementation of the resolution.
Zulum Condemns Attacks
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has strongly denounced the recent wave of violent attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across different areas of the state.
Recent incidents included assaults on Maiduguri-Damboa Road, Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, and Kala Balge. Governor Zulum also expressed his condolences to the families of those affected, including victims of an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion on the Maiduguri-Damboa Road.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum reiterated the state’s firm resolve to collaborate with the Federal Government, the military, and security agencies to address the ongoing security crisis.
“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education workers, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face,” the governor said. He further pledged continued support for the military, security operatives, and local volunteer forces battling terrorism and insurgency.
Referencing his recent visit to Gwoza, Zulum highlighted engagements with military personnel and members of the Izge community as part of the state’s efforts to boost morale and safeguard lives and property.
“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” he assured.
The explosion on May 12 claimed the lives of two staff members from Damboa Local Education Authority en route to Maiduguri to take the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) exam.
What you should know
Boko Haram and ISWAP are officially designated terrorist organizations responsible for ongoing violence in Nigeria’s northeastern region. Governor Zulum’s administration remains committed to supporting security forces and local communities in the fight against terrorism.
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