Nigerians Urged to Stay Informed on Security Progress, Ndume Calls on Tinubu

Calls for Enhanced Security Measures in Response to Insurgency

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has urged President Bola Tinubu to provide regular updates to Nigerians on the government’s efforts to combat insurgency and banditry. This call comes amid growing concerns following a recent attack on the Ngoshe community in Borno State, which resulted in the deaths of several residents and the abduction of over 100 women and children.

The incident occurred last Wednesday when terrorists from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province launched coordinated attacks on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area. During the assault, insurgents reportedly killed some soldiers, the chief imam of the town, and several community elders after attacking a military base belonging to the 82 Division Task Force Battalion. The attackers then moved on to storm the community and an Internally Displaced Persons camp.

This event has raised fresh concerns about security in the North-East, despite the Federal Government’s recent initiatives to enhance military operations. In November 2023, President Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.

Urging Sustained Military Action

In response to the incident, Ndume, a former Senate Leader and native of the affected area, called on the President to match his declaration with sustained military operations against insurgent strongholds. He emphasized the need for coordinated and consistent attacks on insurgent targets, particularly in the North-East.

Ndume pointed out that the Ngoshe massacre was carried out by insurgents from the Mandara Mountains, supported by others from Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region, using their known routes. He argued that such well-coordinated attacks highlight the necessity for targeted clearance operations in these areas.

Establishing a Situation Room

Ndume also proposed the establishment of a situation room at the Presidential Villa to monitor security developments and communicate directly with Nigerians. He stressed that since the President declared a state of emergency, there should be a dedicated space in his office to keep the public informed.

“Nigerians want to hear from him from time to time,” he said, emphasizing the importance of direct communication during times of crisis.

Strengthening Aerial Operations

Additionally, Ndume recommended the creation of Air Component Centres across the three geopolitical zones in the North to bolster aerial operations against insurgents. He suggested deploying attack helicopters to these areas to enhance surveillance and strike capabilities.

Budgetary Reforms for Security Agencies

Despite commending the Nigerian Army for its response to the Ngoshe attack, Ndume noted that the intervention came late. He reiterated his call for the frontloading of security agencies’ budgets to expedite the procurement of arms and ammunition needed to combat insurgents.

Ndume highlighted that the Nigerian Army’s budget is less than 10 per cent of the overall national budget and should be prioritized. He suggested that even if the purchase of attack helicopters cannot be immediate, the government should consider hiring them to deploy to high-risk areas.

Conclusion

The ongoing threat of insurgency and banditry in Nigeria demands a multifaceted approach that includes sustained military action, improved communication, and adequate funding for security agencies. As the country continues to grapple with these challenges, the need for coordinated and effective measures remains paramount.