The Senate on Tuesday called on the military to urgently redeploy personnel and advanced equipment to Borno and Yobe states, following a renewed wave of Boko Haram attacks in the region.
This resolution came after insurgents struck again in the North-East, including the killing of over a dozen soldiers in Marte, Monguno Local Government Area, on Monday, May 12, and a subsequent attack on Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area, early Tuesday.
Raising the motion, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Munguno highlighted that while two-thirds of Borno’s local government areas were once under Boko Haram control, joint efforts by the Nigerian military and civilian task forces had reclaimed those territories.
However, the relative peace in the region had led to the tactical command being shifted to the North-West, where the military is now focused on tackling kidnapping and banditry.
Munguno expressed alarm over Boko Haram’s evolving tactics, including the use of modern technologies such as drones and an uptick in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have resulted in rising casualties and disruption of key transport routes.
The Senate therefore resolved to urge the military high command to promptly redeploy sufficient troops to the North-East, ensuring they are adequately equipped with modern technology to combat the renewed threat. It also directed the committees on the army and air force to oversee and ensure compliance with this resolution.
Zulum Condemns Renewed Attacks
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, condemned the latest wave of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks across the state.
Recent incidents include assaults along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road, as well as in Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, and Kala Balge.
The governor extended condolences to the families of all victims, including two Damboa Local Education Authority staff killed in an IED explosion on 12 May while en route to Maiduguri to sit the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) exam.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum reaffirmed the state government’s strong commitment to working with the Federal Government, military, and other security bodies to address the escalating security challenges.
He offered prayers and sympathy to the bereaved families of soldiers and civilians alike, saying, “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.
“I remain more committed than ever to supporting our military, security agencies, and volunteer forces in ending this insurgency.”
Zulum also recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he met military personnel and engaged with the Izge community, reaffirming his efforts to bolster resilience and protect lives and property.
He added, “This recent surge in attacks will not weaken our determination to defeat this 16-year insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain steadfast and prayerful. This is but a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah.”