The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has called on Nigeria’s military leadership to maintain and intensify the ongoing aggressive offensives against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in major conflict hotspots across the North-East.
The identified flashpoints include the Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains along the Nigeria–Cameroon border, the Timbuktu Triangle, and communities surrounding the Lake Chad basin.
Ndume said consistent military pressure in these strategic locations remains critical to ultimately crushing the insurgency that has devastated Borno State and the wider North-East region for more than 16 years.
He recalled that for several years, he had persistently advocated for a proactive military strategy that takes the battle directly to terrorist strongholds instead of merely responding to attacks.
According to the lawmaker, the present wave of coordinated military offensives reflects that long-standing stance and is already delivering encouraging outcomes.
“Many years ago, I strongly urged the military to take the war to the terrorists’ doorsteps and to remain proactive rather than reactive. I am pleased that this approach is now being implemented effectively against these criminals,” Ndume said.
The senator commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, other service chiefs, and the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai for what he described as renewed determination and strategic focus in the prosecution of the war against insurgency.
He said the leadership of the armed forces was responding decisively to the deep concerns of Nigerians regarding the urgent need to bring an end to Boko Haram’s reign of terror.
Ndume also referenced the extensive clearance operations launched earlier in January by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, noting that the missions recorded remarkable success.
During the operations, dozens of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, including key commanders, were neutralised, while large quantities of weapons and ammunition were recovered.
In a personally signed statement made available to journalists in Maiduguri on Sunday, Ndume praised the bravery and sacrifices of security personnel and allied civilian groups.
“I commend the troops of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, local hunters, and other security agencies for their dedication and sacrifices aimed at ending the over 16-year reign of killings and destruction in Borno State and the entire North-East,” he stated.
The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army also acknowledged the efforts of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, alongside governors of Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states.
He noted that their sustained collaboration with security agencies has significantly contributed to the relative peace currently enjoyed in parts of the region.
Ndume added that the strong synergy among the military, government, and resilient civilian population has made possible the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and resettlement of millions of displaced persons back to their liberated communities.
He urged residents of the North-East to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies regarding the movements and hideouts of terrorists and other criminal elements.
According to him, the responsibility of tackling insecurity should not rest solely on the government and security agencies.
“Combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping must be a collective effort. It should not be left entirely to the government or security forces,” he said.
Ndume offered prayers for the repose of the souls of soldiers and security operatives who lost their lives during the renewed offensive and wished those injured a swift recovery.
He concluded by appealing to military authorities to sustain and intensify the current operations in the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains along the Cameroon border, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the Lake Chad axis to permanently suppress Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.
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