Terrorism: Senate Seeks Urgent Deployment of More Troops to Borno, Yobe

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to urgently deploy additional personnel and advanced equipment to Borno and Yobe states.

The Red Chamber passed the resolution in the wake of a fresh wave of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in the two North-east states.

The resolution was adopted and passed after the upper chamber deliberated on a motion moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Munguno.

The Senator had drawn the attention of his colleagues to the renewed violence in the North-east, citing the killing of over a dozen soldiers in Marte town in Monguno local government area of Borno State, on Monday, May 12.

He said terrorists launched another assault early on Tuesday on Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai local government area.

Monguno further drew the Senate attention to the resurgence of terrorist activity in an area that had previously enjoyed relative peace.

He said 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 lamented that the relative stability had prompted the military to shift tactical command to the North-west, where troops are currently tackling kidnapping and banditry.

The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the terrorists’ evolving tactics, including the use of modern technologies, such as drones.

He also said they were  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.

“The recent attacks highlight the need for the military to reassess its current deployment strategy and refocus on the North-east,” Munguno stated.

Following deliberations, the Senate urged the military high command to immediately deploy sufficient troops to the North-east region.

The Senate also resolved that the military should ensure that the deployed personnel are equipped with modern technologies to match the terrorists’ growing capabilities.

It mandated its committees on Army and Air Force to monitor and ensure compliance with the resolution.

Munguno emphasised that renewed military presence and tactical upgrades were essential to preventing further escalation of violence and protecting vulnerable communities in the affected areas.