Senator Ndume Urges Immediate Action on Security Emergency Declaration
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has broken his silence to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to follow through on his nationwide security emergency declaration. This call comes in the wake of a devastating attack on Ngoshe in Borno state, which resulted in numerous fatalities and the abduction of over 100 women and children by Boko Haram insurgents.
Call for Sustained Military Clearance Operations
Ndume emphasized that President Tinubu's emergency declaration, made last November, must translate into tangible, practical measures on the ground. He specifically called for consistent and coordinated military clearance operations in key insurgent strongholds.
"Government should walk its talks on emergency by engaging in coordinated and sustainable attacks on targets, especially in the North-East," Ndume stated. "They should carry out consistent clearance operations in Lake Chad, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains because the recent attacks were well coordinated by the insurgents."
The senator highlighted these areas as critical launch points for insurgent activities, stressing that sustained military pressure is essential to disrupt their operations and prevent future atrocities.
Demand for Regular Briefings and Improved Communication
Ndume further urged President Tinubu to establish a dedicated situation room within the Presidential Villa to provide regular, direct updates to the Nigerian public. He argued that consistent communication is vital for maintaining public trust and transparency during a security crisis.
"Since the President has declared a state of emergency, he should have a situation room in his office in the Villa and use it to brief Nigerians directly from time to time," Ndume said. "Nigerians want to hear from him."
Additionally, the senator proposed the creation of Air Components Centers in the three Northern geopolitical zones. These centers would be equipped with attack helicopters to provide crucial aerial support for ground operations, enhancing the military's responsiveness and effectiveness.
Budgetary Concerns and Intelligence Coordination
While commending the military's eventual intervention in Ngoshe, Ndume expressed serious concerns about the funding and resource allocation for security agencies. He reiterated his long-standing position on the need to frontload security budgets to facilitate the rapid procurement of arms, ammunition, and other essential equipment.
"The Nigerian Army budget is insignificant compared to the overall national budget, less than 10 per cent, and it should be frontloaded," he asserted. Ndume warned that terrorist groups are increasingly acquiring sophisticated weapons, making it imperative for the military to be better funded and equipped to counter this threat effectively.
The senator also emphasized the importance of enhanced intelligence gathering and operational planning. He called for a more coordinated approach between various security agencies to prevent future attacks and strengthen overall security across Northern Nigeria, particularly in vulnerable regions like Borno.
Context of Military Losses and Ongoing Insurgency
This appeal from Senator Ndume comes against a backdrop of significant military losses in the fight against insurgency. Recent reports indicate that the Nigerian military has suffered heavy casualties, with three commanding officers killed in separate attacks within a single week in Borno state.
These officers were leading forward operations bases when fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched assaults on their positions. The latest deaths bring the total number of commanding officers reportedly killed in the last three months to seven, alongside one brigadier general, underscoring the intense and ongoing nature of the conflict.
Senator Ndume's statements highlight a critical moment for Nigeria's security strategy, urging decisive action from the highest levels of government to address the persistent threat of insurgency and protect vulnerable communities.
