The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday called for the immediate redeployment of military personnel and advanced equipment to Borno and Yobe states in response to a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the North-East.
The motion was sponsored by Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Munguno, following a series of coordinated assaults in the region, including the killing of over a dozen soldiers in Marte, Monguno LGA, on Monday, May 12, and another attack on Gajiram, Nganzai LGA, early Tuesday.
During the plenary session, lawmakers expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, noting that while two-thirds of Borno LGAs were once under Boko Haram control, military efforts had previously reclaimed these territories with the help of civilian joint task forces.
However, the relative peace led to the relocation of tactical command to the North-West, where the military is battling banditry and kidnapping. Now, with the resurgence of insurgency in the North-East, the Senate fears this shift may have left the region vulnerable.
Munguno emphasized the evolving tactics of the militants, particularly their use of drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have resulted in rising civilian and military casualties and disrupted critical transportation routes.
In response, the Senate passed a resolution urging the military high command to redeploy sufficient troops, adequately equipped with modern surveillance and combat technology, to the affected areas. The upper chamber also tasked its committees on Army and Air Force with monitoring compliance.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has condemned the renewed wave of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across the state.
Speaking through his spokesperson Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum expressed his deep sorrow over the May 12 IED explosion along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, which claimed the lives of two staff members of the Damboa Local Education Authority. The victims were en route to Maiduguri for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) examination.
He also sympathized with the families of fallen soldiers and innocent civilians caught in recent attacks in Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, Kala Balge, and other communities.
Governor Zulum said:
“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.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government, military, and volunteer forces in tackling the 16-year-old insurgency. Zulum recently visited Gwoza and the Izge community to bolster morale and underscore the state government’s support for security personnel and local residents.
“I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” he added.
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