Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, has called on the Nigerian military to sustain and intensify its offensive against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following deadly attacks in parts of Borno State that claimed the lives of soldiers, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and civilians.
Deadly Attacks in Southern Borno
At least 25 people were killed when suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a community in Borno State, marking one of the deadliest insurgent assaults in recent months, according to residents and reports cited by Reuters.
The attacks affected Sabon Gari village in Damboa Local Government Area and communities in Hawul Local Government Area, both within Southern Borno, where lives were lost and properties destroyed.
Ndume Condoles Troops, Civilians
In a statement issued yesterday, Ndume expressed deep sympathy with the Theatre Command North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the CJTF, and families of those killed during confrontations with insurgents.
“I want to commiserate with the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and families of those killed during the encounter with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Sabon Gari village of Damboa Local Government Area,” Ndume said.
He also condoled residents of Harang and surrounding communities in Hawul, where another attack led to casualties and destruction of homes.
Military Inflicted Losses on Terrorists
Earlier, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed that troops neutralised several ISWAP fighters during the encounter and recovered arms and ammunition.
However, the operation also resulted in fatalities among soldiers of Sector 2, CJTF members and civilians.
Many of the civilians killed were reportedly labourers from Biu, working on the Wajiroko Bridge along the Biu–Maiduguri–Damboa Road, which had previously been destroyed by terrorists.
‘Do Not Be Deterred’ – Ndume
A former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Ndume urged the military not to be discouraged by what he described as “pockets of terrorist attacks.”
“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 insurgency in the North-east,” he said.
Commendation for Zulum, Security Agencies
Ndume praised Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, the military and other security agencies for sustained clearance operations in terrorist enclaves such as the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and Mandara Mountains.
According to him, recent operations have dealt “decisive blows” to Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their commanders over the past month.
Calls for Better Equipment, Welfare
The senator renewed calls on the federal government to further equip the armed forces with modern military hardware, including fighter jets and drones, to strengthen counter-terrorism operations.
He also urged the immediate payment of all entitlements and benefits to families of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Appeal for Public Support
Ndume appealed to residents of Borno State and the wider North-east to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
“The fight against terrorism should not be left to government and security agencies alone. It requires the collective effort of all,” he said.
Background
Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s 17-year Islamist insurgency, with Boko Haram and ISWAP intensifying attacks on military convoys, bases and civilian communities. The recent violence has added to mounting pressure on Nigeria to strengthen security operations across the North-east.
