Senate urges military to strengthen counter-insurgency operations after deadly Borno attacks

2026-03-11 - 15:17

By Henry Umoru, Abuja The Nigerian Senate has called on the military to intensify counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, emphasizing the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance, and operational capacity to curb insecurity in the region. The Upper Chamber commended the bravery of officers and soldiers while observing a minute of silence in honor of those who lost their lives defending the country. The resolutions followed a motion by Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) concerning a recent deadly attack on military formations in Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State. The assault, carried out by suspected insurgents on March 9, 2026, resulted in the deaths of multiple soldiers, including Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, who was credited with facilitating the return of displaced residents to Kukawa after previous insurgent attacks. Senator Monguno explained that insurgents launched coordinated assaults from multiple directions, engaging troops in prolonged gun battles that lasted several hours. Vehicles were destroyed and weapons looted during the attacks, which he said indicate a renewed wave of insurgent offensives despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation HADIN KAI. He praised the courage and sacrifice of the troops, noting, “Their efforts have helped reclaim territories once controlled by Boko Haram insurgents.” Seconding the motion, Senator Shehu Lawal (APC, Borno Central) expressed alarm at the resurgence of insurgency in the state and called for urgent measures to protect civilians. He also commended the military for maintaining steadfastness in the face of repeated attacks. Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Senator Monguno’s support for the armed forces and reiterated that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to addressing insecurity across Nigeria. The Senate urged the military to sustain intensified operations, improve logistics, and continue safeguarding communities against insurgent activities.