Senator Ali Ndume has made a strong appeal for the ongoing joint military operations between Nigeria and the United States to be extended to the country's troubled North-East region. The call comes in response to recent airstrikes against terrorist targets in Sokoto State.
Appeal for Expanded Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
The former Senate Leader, who represents Borno South, issued this appeal on Saturday, December 27. He commended the recent precision airstrikes conducted against cells of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. These operations were announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.
Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, confirmed the joint operation, emphasising that it was carried out with Nigeria's full cooperation, approval, and intelligence support. He clarified that the action did not violate Nigeria's sovereignty and was not directed at any religious community.
Targeting Terrorist Strongholds in the North-East
Ndume, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, argued that expanding these collaborative efforts to the North-East would deliver a significant blow to terrorist groups plaguing the region. He specifically named the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram as primary targets.
"We welcome this cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in targeting terrorist hideouts," Ndume stated. "I am calling on both governments to extend it to the North-East, where ISWAP and Boko Haram maintain three major strongholds—Lake Chad, the Mandara Mountains and the Sambisa Forest."
He proposed a deeper military partnership that would include:
- Enhanced training programmes for Nigerian troops.
- Improved intelligence sharing mechanisms.
- Logistics support and the deployment of attack helicopters to aid ground operations.
Funding, Accountability, and Condolences for Recent Attack
The senator also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allocating the highest budgetary provision to defence in the 2026 Appropriation Bill. However, he stressed the critical need for accountability and transparency in how these substantial funds are utilised.
Reacting to a tragic suicide bomb attack at a mosque in Gamboru, Maiduguri, which claimed five lives and injured many, Ndume expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. He used the incident to counter a dangerous narrative.
"The attack in Gamboru is a stark reminder that terrorists have no regard for religion. In this case, all the victims were Muslims," he said. "This clearly shows that the narrative of a Christian genocide does not exist. These terrorists are simply making life unbearable for our people, irrespective of faith."
Ndume's appeal highlights the persistent security challenges in Northern Nigeria and underscores the growing international dimension of the fight against terrorism within the country's borders.
