Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has urged President Bola Tinubu to sustain the military offensive against terrorists and bandits, expressing confidence that a coordinated national effort would defeat them. Ndume, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the call on Thursday while speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Recent military successes
Ndume stated that sustained military operations have intensified pressure on criminal groups, leading to the elimination of several bandit leaders and the surrender of some commanders. He noted, “There has been a lot of pressure recently on bandits in the North-west, the North-east, and elsewhere. Some of their leaders have been taken out, and some of their commanders surrendered on Wednesday. If this momentum is sustained, we are confident the problem will eventually end.”
Need for unwavering commitment
The senator emphasized that terrorists cannot withstand determined military action, stressing that commitment remains the key to defeating them. “You don’t spare a bandit or a terrorist. Once you identify a terrorist, you should deal with him because if you don’t kill him, he will kill you,” he said.
Commendation for Tinubu's security focus
Ndume commended President Tinubu for prioritizing security through regular engagements with the nation's security chiefs. He urged the president to communicate more frequently with Nigerians about government policies and national developments. “People expect their leader to tell them what is going on instead of allowing others to speak on his behalf,” he said.
Economic challenges
Ndume also called on the government to address rising food prices, transport costs, and other economic challenges affecting citizens. “We have the capacity to handle these problems. What is needed is coordination,” he added.
Discussions with the president
Ndume revealed that discussions with President Tinubu centered on insecurity, economic hardship, and other pressing national issues. He disclosed that Tinubu proposed regular consultations to exchange ideas on tackling Nigeria's complex challenges. The senator described insecurity as the country's greatest concern, although he noted that the situation is improving in some parts of the country.
Call for continued operations
He commended the president, the armed forces, and other security agencies for sustaining operations against criminal elements across the country. Ndume added that Tinubu’s meeting with the service chiefs before receiving him reflected the administration’s continued commitment to restoring peace and security.
