‘Take War To Terrorists’ Doorsteps’ – Ndume Tells Nigerian Military

The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has called on the military authorities to sustain the ongoing aggressive operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in critical flashpoints across the North-East.

The areas include the Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, the Timbuktu Triangle, and communities around the shores of Lake Chad.

Ndume said sustained military pressure in these locations remained key to finally stemming the tide of insurgency that has ravaged Borno State and the wider North-East for over 16 years.

The senator recalled that he had consistently urged the Nigerian military for several years to take the war directly to the doorsteps of insurgents rather than waiting to respond to attacks.

According to him, the current wave of coordinated offensives reflects that long-held position and is already yielding results.

“Many years ago, I was one of the strong advocates, calling upon the military to take the war to the doorsteps of insurgents and to remain proactive rather than reactive.

“I am happy because this is what is manifested now against terrorists,” Ndume said.

Ndume praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, other service chiefs and the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai for what he described as renewed commitment and strategic clarity in prosecuting the war.

He said the armed forces’ leadership was responding to Nigerians’ deep concerns about ending the Boko Haram crisis.

The lawmaker also recalled that the massive clearance of terrorist enclaves launched earlier in January by troops of Operation Hadin Kai had recorded significant success.

Dozens of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, including some commanders, were neutralised during the operations, with troops recovering large caches of arms and ammunition.

In a statement personally signed by him and made available to journalists in Maiduguri on Sunday, Ndume hailed the sacrifices of security personnel and allied groups.

He said, “I hail troops, especially the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters and other security agencies for their sacrifice and commitment aimed at ending the over 16-year killings and destruction in Borno State and the entire North-East by terrorists.”

The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army also acknowledged the role played by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, alongside his counterparts in Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba states.

Ndume noted that their support and collaboration with security agencies had contributed to the relative peace currently enjoyed in parts of the region.

He added that the synergy between the military, government and resilient civilian population had made possible the reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of millions of displaced persons to their liberated communities.

The senator urged residents of the North-East to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies on the movement or hideouts of terrorists and other criminals.

According to him, tackling insecurity should not be left solely to the government or security forces.

“Fighting insecurity, such as terrorism, banditry or kidnapping, should not be left on the shoulders of the government or security agencies alone,” he said.

Ndume prayed for eternal rest for soldiers and other security operatives who lost their lives during the renewed onslaught against insurgents.

He also wished those injured in the line of duty a speedy recovery, commending their unwavering commitment and sacrifice in defence of the country.

“I humbly call on the military authorities to sustain the ongoing operations in the Sambisa Forests, Mandara Mountains bordering the Cameroun Republic, the Timbuktu Triangle and the shores of the Lake Chad region to stem the tide of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists,” he stated.