Borno Attacks: Tinubu must act on security emergency – Ndume

2026-03-08 - 11:57

By John Alechenu Abuja – Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to translate his declaration of emergency on security into action, following the recent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in Ngoshe, Borno State. Ndume, who represents Borno South, in a statement in Abuja, on Sunday, appealed to the President to mandate security forces to carry out consistent clearance operations in areas like Lake Chad, Sambisa Forest, and Mandara mountains, which he noted are havens for the insurgents. The Senator also expressed concern over the lack of regular briefings on efforts to tackle banditry and insurgency, saying Nigerians deserve to hear from the President directly. He said, “Government should walk its talks on emergency by engaging in coordinated and sustainable attacks on the targets, especially in the North East,” Ndume said. “They should carry out consistent clearance operations in Lake Chad, Sambisa forest, and the Mandara because the recent attacks were well-coordinated by the insurgents.” Ndume commended the military for their intervention in Ngoshe, albeit late, and restated his call for the frontloading of budgets of the security agencies to fast-track procurement of arms and ammunitions. He expressed reservations about budgetary provisions for the military, saying the Nigerian Army Budget is insignificant compared to answer for. “Even if we can’t purchase attack helicopters, we should consider hiring to be deployed to black spot areas,” he added. Ndume urged President Tinubu to cultivate regular briefings of Nigerians on his efforts to surmount banditry and insurgency, saying, “They want to hear from him from time to time.” Recall, Boko Haram in conjunction with Islamic State– West Africa Province, (ISWAP), carried out coordinated attacks in Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, last week where they attacked the Army’s 82 Division Task Force Battalion, leaving death and destruction on their trail.