The Nigerian Senate has taken a decisive stance in response to the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe states, urging the military to swiftly redeploy troops and advanced equipment to the region.
This move comes after a string of violent assaults on May 12, including the killing of over a dozen soldiers in Marte town and another attack on Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai local government area.
It could be recalled that terrorists launched another assault early Tuesday on Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai local government area.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Munguno, drew attention to the resurgence of terrorist activity in an area that had previously enjoyed relative peace.
Munguno recalled that while two-thirds of Borno’s local government areas were once under Boko Haram control, coordinated efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force had successfully reclaimed most of the territories.
However, he noted that the relative stability had prompted the military to shift tactical Command to the North-West, where troops were currently tackling kidnapping and banditry.
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the terrorists’ evolving tactics, including the use of modern technology such as drones and increasing deployment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which he said have led to rising civilian and military casualties and disrupted key transportation routes in the region.
Following deliberations, the Senate urged the military high command to immediately redeploy sufficient troops to the North-East.
The Senate also resolved that the military should ensure that the deployed personnel were equipped with modern technologies to match the terrorists’ growing capabilities and mandated its committees on Army and Air Force to monitor and ensure compliance with the resolution.
Senator Munguno emphasised that a renewed military presence and tactical upgrades were essential to preventing further escalation of violence and protecting vulnerable communities in the affected areas, saying: “the recent attacks highlight the need for the military to reassess its current deployment strategy and refocus on the North-East.”
