Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to back his declaration of a nationwide security emergency with decisive actions following the recent deadly attacks in Borno State.
Ndume’s appeal comes after a brutal assault on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, where terrorists reportedly killed several residents and abducted more than 100 women and children.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the former Senate Leader said the Federal Government must demonstrate its commitment by intensifying military operations against insurgents, particularly in Nigeria’s North-East region.
Terrorists Target Community and Military Base
Reports indicated that the attack on Ngoshe was carried out by fighters linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The insurgents were said to have initially attacked a military formation belonging to the 82 Division Task Force Battalion before moving into the community and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.
During the assault, several soldiers were reportedly killed, alongside the town’s Chief Imam and other community leaders.
Ndume noted that the pattern of the attack suggested a high level of coordination among insurgent groups operating across different locations in the region.
Call for Sustained Military Operations
The senator urged the President to direct security agencies to launch sustained clearance operations in known insurgent strongholds such as Sambisa Forest, the Lake Chad axis, and the Mandara Mountains.
According to him, these areas continue to serve as operational bases from which terrorists plan attacks on communities across the North-East.
“Government must match its declaration of a security emergency with concrete action by carrying out coordinated and sustained operations against insurgent strongholds,” Ndume stated.
He explained that the attackers who struck Ngoshe reportedly came through the Mandara Mountains and received support from insurgents operating from Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region.
Senator Calls for Situation Room and Air Support
Ndume also advised the President to improve communication with Nigerians by providing regular updates on government efforts to tackle insecurity.
He suggested the establishment of a security situation room within the Presidential Villa to coordinate intelligence gathering, operational responses, and public communication.
In addition, the lawmaker proposed the creation of air component centres across the three northern geopolitical zones to strengthen aerial operations against insurgents.
He recommended deploying attack helicopters capable of responding quickly to threats in volatile areas and suggested that the government could consider leasing helicopters if purchasing new ones proves difficult.
Concerns Over Military Funding
While commending the military for eventually responding to the Ngoshe attack, Ndume said the response came late and underscored the need for faster operational reactions.
He also reiterated his long-standing call for the frontloading of security budgets, allowing the armed forces to procure weapons, equipment, and ammunition early enough to sustain counter-insurgency operations.
According to him, the budget allocation for the Nigerian Army remains too small compared with the magnitude of security threats facing the country.
“The Nigerian Army’s budget accounts for less than 10 percent of the national budget, yet the military is expected to confront heavily armed insurgent groups,” Ndume said.
The senator urged the government to prioritise security spending and ensure timely release of funds to support military operations aimed at restoring peace in the region.
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