The Senate has called on the Armed Forces to strengthen ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East by enhancing intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational capacity to tackle insecurity in the region and across the country.
The resolution followed a motion presented by Tahir Monguno over a recent attack on a military formation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State that left three soldiers dead within three days.
While presenting the motion, Senator Monguno explained that suspected insurgents carried out a coordinated assault on an Army base in Kukawa in the early hours of March 9, 2026. According to him, the attackers advanced toward the military facility from different directions and engaged troops in a prolonged gun battle that reportedly lasted for several hours.
Lawmakers expressed deep concern over the attack, which claimed the life of Lieutenant Colonel Umar Faroug. He was described as a senior officer who played an important role in helping displaced residents return to Kukawa town after the area had previously been captured by insurgents. Several other soldiers were also reported killed during the confrontation.
The senator also informed the chamber that the attackers set military vehicles on fire and carted away weapons during the raid. He noted that the incident forms part of a renewed wave of assaults on military positions in the North-East despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation HADIN KAI.
In its resolution, the Senate commended officers and personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifices in defending the country. Lawmakers also emphasised the importance of sustained military pressure, improved intelligence gathering and stronger logistical support in consolidating progress already made in the fight against insurgency.
At the end of the deliberations, senators observed a minute of silence in honour of the soldiers who lost their lives while defending the nation during the attack.
What you should know
The North-East region of Nigeria has faced insurgency for more than a decade, largely driven by extremist groups operating around Borno and neighbouring states.
Military operations such as Operation HADIN KAI were launched to dismantle insurgent networks, secure communities and facilitate the return of displaced residents.
Despite significant gains by security forces, periodic attacks on military formations and civilian communities continue to occur, highlighting ongoing security challenges and the need for stronger intelligence coordination, improved surveillance technology and sustained military operations.
