Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to translate his declaration of a nationwide security emergency into concrete action, following renewed insurgent attacks in Borno State.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the call while reacting to last week’s attack on Ngoshe, where insurgents reportedly killed several soldiers, community leaders and the town’s chief Imam, and abducted more than 100 women and children.
The attackers, believed to be fighters of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, were said to have first targeted a military formation before storming nearby communities and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.
Ndume described the incident as evidence that insurgent groups in the North-East still maintain a high level of coordination.
According to him, intelligence reports indicate that fighters operating from the Mandara Mountains carried out the attack with support from insurgent camps located in the Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad basin.
The lawmaker recalled that Tinubu had in November declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the recruitment of additional personnel into the armed forces to combat insurgency and banditry.
He, however, stressed the need for sustained clearance operations in insurgent strongholds across the North-East.
Ndume also called on the President to keep Nigerians regularly informed about efforts being made to tackle insecurity.
“Since the President declared a security emergency, there should be a situation room in the Presidential Villa where Nigerians can be briefed from time to time on the progress being made,” he said.
He further recommended the establishment of Air Component Centres across the three northern geo-political zones to provide aerial support for ground troops battling insurgents.
The senator also renewed his call for the frontloading of security budgets to accelerate the procurement of weapons, equipment and other operational logistics for the armed forces.
Meanwhile, Tinubu has approved a salary increment for military personnel as part of efforts to boost troop morale and improve welfare.
The President announced the pay rise during an interfaith breaking of fast with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, assuring members of the armed forces that their sacrifices would not go unrecognised.
“You are making enormous sacrifices for the nation. Your efforts to protect our sovereignty will always be appreciated, and your sufferings will not be in vain,” Tinubu said.
Also speaking on the security situation, the Waidi Shaibu reaffirmed the military’s commitment to intensifying operations against insurgents in the region.
Shaibu, who visited troops under Operation Hadin Kai at the 7 Division Headquarters in Maiduguri, said commanders had provided updates on ongoing operations and operational needs.
The visit formed part of an operational review by the army leadership following renewed attacks on military formations and civilian communities across the North-East.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, has expressed condolences to families affected by the attacks in several communities across the state, including Ngoshe, Konduga, Mainok, Jakana and Marte.
Ndume Urges Tinubu to Back Security Emergency with Action
