The Nigerian Senate has called on the military to urgently deploy more personnel—fully equipped and strategically positioned to Borno and Yobe states in the North-East to tackle the renewed threat posed by Boko Haram insurgents.
This appeal followed the killing of 12 soldiers by insurgents in Marte, Borno State, and was made during Tuesday’s plenary session. The Senate also directed its Committees on Army and Air Force to oversee and ensure compliance with the directive.
The resolution stemmed from a motion titled “The Resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe,” moved by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), and co-sponsored by lawmakers representing the affected states.
In presenting the motion, Senator Monguno recalled that just a few years ago, Boko Haram had control over two-thirds of Borno’s Local Government Areas. However, combined efforts by the military and the Civilian Joint Task Force eventually reclaimed those territories and restored a degree of peace in both Borno and Yobe.
He explained that after this progress, the military shifted its tactical command to the North-West to address rising cases of kidnapping and banditry. Unfortunately, this redeployment has coincided with a resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the North-East, including the deadly May 12 attack in Marte.
Senator Monguno raised alarm over the group’s renewed strength and evolving tactics, including the use of drones for surveillance and attacks, as well as the planting of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which cause significant casualties and disrupt transportation.
He stressed the urgent need for the military to return in full force to the North-East, with advanced technology and necessary equipment to combat the insurgents’ growing sophistication.
“A robust military presence in the North-East is critical to containing the renewed threat of Boko Haram,” he emphasized.
Following the debate, the Senate adopted the motion’s two resolutions through a voice vote presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.