Deploy modern equipment against Insurgents, Senate urges Army

57

To avert another suicide bombing in Borno State and other parts of the country, the Senate on Wednesday directed the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to deploy contemporary technological equipment to combat terrorists.

The Senate also rejected a measure that sought to oversee funds appropriated to past service chiefs for the purchase of weaponry and ammunition.

The denial came in the wake of Senator Ali Ndume’s motion on the suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno state, and the urgent need to stem the flow of the heinous menace.

During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed an additional prayer, asking that the Senate should not only seek to provide more funds for the Army but jealously monitor the procurement process.

He stated that it has become expedient owing to activities of previous service chiefs who rather than deploying public funds towards the purchase of security equipment and modern technology, diverted it towards building universities and purchasing yachts.

When put to a voice vote, majority of lawmakers rejected the additional prayer.

The Senate thereafter urged that the Federal Government to ask security agencies to make concerted efforts in securing the hotspots inhabited by insurgents such as the Lake Chad Region, Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains.

Over 30 persons were killed and scores injured when suicide bombers stormed public places in Borno last Saturday.