The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday called for the immediate redeployment of military personnel and advanced combat equipment to Borno and Yobe states, following a recent spike in deadly Boko Haram attacks in the North-East.
The resolution came after renewed assaults by insurgents, including the killing of over a dozen soldiers in Marte town, Monguno Local Government Area, on Monday, May 12, and a subsequent attack on Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government headquarters, the following day.
Raising the motion, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Munguno noted that although the Nigerian military and the civilian joint task force had reclaimed most territories formerly held by Boko Haram in Borno, recent developments posed serious concerns.
He warned that the militants were evolving, deploying advanced tactics such as drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have inflicted heavy casualties and disrupted civilian life and infrastructure.
The Senate subsequently resolved to urge the military high command to redeploy well-equipped troops with modern technological support to the North-East and mandated the committees on Army and Air Force to monitor compliance.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, also strongly condemned the fresh wave of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP across parts of the state, including Chibok, Gwoza, Kala Balge, and Marte, as well as the deadly IED explosion on the Maiduguri-Damboa Road.
The blast claimed the lives of two Damboa Local Education Authority staff heading to Maiduguri to take the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) exam.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum sympathized with the families of all victims—soldiers, civilians, and education workers—and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to work with the Federal Government and security agencies to end insurgency.
“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education workers, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face,”;; the governor said.
Zulum highlighted his recent visit to Gwoza and interactions with military personnel and local communities as part of wider efforts to strengthen morale and protect lives.
“The resurgence of attacks will not weaken our resolve. This is a partial eclipse—we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,”;; he added.
