Ndume Seeks US Military Base In Borno To Fight Boko Haram

Former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has called for a stronger United States military presence in Borno State to help eliminate Boko Haram insurgents operating in the North-East.

Naija News reports that Ndume urged American forces to establish a base around the Mandara Mountains, saying the move would help cut off insurgent routes and weaken terrorist operations.

The senator, who represents the Borno South Senatorial District, spoke on Sunday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Ndume said the United States had the technology and capacity to monitor insurgent movements from the Mandara Mountains to Sambisa Forest.

He stated, “I’m hoping that they could even go far beyond, as I said earlier, when the issue of Americans coming in was reported since last year. So I wish they could even establish their base under the Mandara Mountains and drive away all those Boko Haram elements from there.

“And then from the Mandara Mountains, it can serve as a point to even observe up to Sambisa. They have the technology to monitor those insurgents. So I am in full support.

“In fact, I am appealing. Let the Americans go to Gwoza and take over the Mandara Mountains, please. It will go a long way to cut down on insecurity because they have a ring road in Borno State.”

‘Cut Off Insurgents’ Supply Routes’

The lawmaker said the geography of the Mandara Mountains made the area important to the insurgent movement and logistics.

According to him, securing the area would disrupt supply routes used by terrorists across Borno State.

Ndume said, “So, from Sambisa, they can go to Lake Chad and come through the route in Kaga. From Kaga, they can go down through Mandaragirau or Buni Yadi and move on to Gwoza through Mandaragirau, as I said. With that, they have cycled to Borno State.

“So if that cycle can be cut off, we’ll have a reduction of insurgency. In fact, there will be nowhere for them to go to get support or supplies. But you can’t do that, as I said, without a team and enough boots on the ground. The Nigerian army needs the resources.”