Senator Ndume Urges Enhanced Military Operations Following Deadly Terrorist Attacks in Borno

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents the Borno South Senatorial District, has implored the Nigerian military to maintain and augment its offensive operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). This appeal comes in the wake of recent devastating assaults in Borno State, which led to the loss of numerous lives among soldiers, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) personnel, and civilians.

Reports indicate that suspected Boko Haram militants carried out an attack on a Borno town, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals. This incident marks one of the deadliest reported Islamist attacks in the region. Senator Ndume extended his condolences to the Theatre Command North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the CJTF, and the families affected by the terrorist confrontation in Sabon Gari Village, located in Damboa Local Government Area.

He also expressed sympathy for the residents of Harang and nearby communities in Hawul Local Government Area, where a separate incident saw one person killed and properties destroyed.

Earlier, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force OPHK, had stated that troops successfully neutralized several ISWAP fighters during a clash and recovered arms and ammunition. However, the operation also resulted in casualties among soldiers from Sector 2, CJTF members, and civilians.

It was reported that many of the civilian victims were residents of Biu and casual labourers working on the Wajiroko Bridge along the Biu–Maiduguri–Damboa Road, a bridge previously damaged by insurgents.

Biu, Damboa, and Hawul are all local government areas within the Southern Borno Senatorial District, which Senator Ndume represents.

In his message of solidarity, the Senator, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, urged the military not to be discouraged by these isolated terrorist actions. He stressed the importance of remaining resolute in efforts to end the more than 16-year-long insurgency in the North-east.

Ndume stated, "I want to urge the military, especially troops of OPHK, not to be deterred by these attacks, but to remain committed and steadfast in order to end the over 16-year war."

The Senator commended Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, alongside the military and other security agencies, for their continuous sacrifices and persistent clearance operations in known terrorist strongholds like Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and the Mandara Mountains. He noted that recent operations in these areas have inflicted significant damage on numerous Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and their leaders over the past month.

He offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen soldiers, CJTF members, and civilians, and wished those injured a swift recovery.

Ndume reiterated his appeal to the federal government to provide the armed forces with more advanced military equipment, including fighter jets and drones, to enhance their operational capabilities. He also called for the prompt payment of all dues and benefits owed to the families of security personnel who have died in the line of duty.

Furthermore, Ndume urged residents of Borno State and the broader North-east region to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and accurate intelligence.

"The fight against terrorism should not be left in the hands of government and security agencies alone. It requires the collective effort of all," he emphasized.

Some of the victims were identified as labourers who had traveled to Sabon Gari town in Borno State for construction work when the attackers arrived on Thursday and opened fire, according to relatives Hassan Usman and Auwal Isa. Ndume expressed his shock and sorrow over the killing of his constituents.

In a separate militant attack on Thursday in Borno, at least nine soldiers and two members of a civilian task force were killed when fighters launched a pre- dawn raid on an army base. Sixteen individuals sustained injuries.

Borno remains the primary theatre of the 17-year-old Islamist insurgency, where Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters have escalated attacks targeting military convoys and civilians.

Nigeria, grappling with escalating Islamist violence and widespread kidnappings, faces heightened pressure to improve security, particularly following accusations last year that it had failed to protect Christians. US forces conducted strikes on what they termed terrorist targets on December 25, and Nigerian authorities maintain they are collaborating with Washington to bolster security measures.