Ndume also advised the President Tinubu-led government on the steps it must take to crush and flush out terrorists.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The lawmaker representing Borno South in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to “walk its talk” on security following the latest terrorist attack in Borno State.
He made the call on Sunday in a press statement issued to journalists following an attack that resulted in the abduction of over one hundred women in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.
The terror attack also led to the deaths of several soldiers, the town’s Chief Imam, and community elders.
Reacting to the incident, Ndume called on the Nigerian military to launch raids on terrorist safe havens across the North-East.
He maintained that consistent clearance operations in Lake Chad, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains would eventually crush the terrorists in their hideouts.
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He further advised President Tinubu to provide Nigerians with regular briefings regarding efforts to surmount banditry and insurgency across the three northern zones.
Ndume said: “The Government should walk its talk on the emergency by engaging in coordinated and sustainable attacks on targets, especially in the North-East.
“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. For example, the Ngoshe massacre was carried out by insurgents from the Mandara Mountains, assisted by others from Sambisa and Lake Chad, using their known routes.”
He continued: “Since the President has declared a state of emergency, he should have a situation room in his office at the Villa. He should use that to brief Nigerians directly; they want to hear from him from time to time.”
The former Senate Chief Whip also called for the front-loading of security agency budgets to fast-track the procurement of arms and ammunition.
“The Nigerian Army budget is insignificant compared to the overall budget—it is less than 10 per cent. The Army’s budget should be front-loaded,” he stated.
