Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, has expressed concerns over the Nigerian military’s inability to fully combat Boko Haram and banditry due to a lack of proper equipment and morale.
Speaking at his Maiduguri residence after a visit to families affected by recent terrorist attacks in Gwoza, Ndume dismissed circulating reports that Boko Haram had ambushed his convoy. He confirmed that the ambush targeted a Cameroonian businessman along the Pulka-Kirawa road, not his convoy.
“We successfully reached Kirawa, where we condoled with the families of those killed by terrorists last week. I encouraged the residents to remain resilient despite the renewed Boko Haram attacks,” Ndume said.
Renewed Terrorist Attacks
According to Ndume, the Cameroonian businessman was killed alongside an unidentified woman, while several others were injured in the attack. He also mentioned that terrorists looted crops from farmers in Gwoza, Ngoshe, Kirawa, and surrounding areas, further frustrating local farmers.
Ndume criticized the federal government for failing to adequately equip the military. “The military is determined to end Boko Haram’s madness, but without proper equipment, arms, training, and motivation, their efforts will fall short,” he stated.
Calls for More Military Support
The Senator urged the federal government to provide more resources to the military, as well as the state government under Governor Babagana Zulum, to protect farmers and tackle the insurgency effectively. He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, assured him of reinforcements to secure the area and protect farmers during harvest season.
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