Senator Ndume stated this on Wednesday at the Theater Command Headquarters, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri when he led the Senate Committee on Army members who were in Borno State on an oversight function
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has applauded the Nigerian military for their doggedness and resilience in bringing peace to the ravaged North East region, particularly, Borno State, the epic center of Boko Haram Insurgency.
He also assured the Nigerian Army of the continuous support of the National Assembly and Federal Government in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
Senator Ndume stated this on Wednesday at the Theater Command Headquarters, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri when he led the Senate Committee on Army members who were in Borno State on an oversight function to ensure the Nigeria Army are provided with all the necessary logistics, welfare, equipment, trainings, weapons, and allowances.
While lamenting the living conditions of the soldiers, Senator Ndume disclosed that N17 trillion has been budgeted for the Nigerian military to enhance their welfares and operations.
Federal lawmaker, however, called on the Nigerian military to checkmate the activities of terrorists in the state and Northeast region.
“Information reaching the government and the National Assembly, has revealed that as the Boko Haram terrorists are voluntarily surrendering and weakening, the ISWAP members are rather consolidating and strengthening gradually. Where if not checkered, they could tomorrow be a formidable force that will be difficult to rid”.
Ndume noted that: “Apart from the National Assembly, even the presidency has been pressurized to continue to support the NA to accomplish its mandate across the country”.
While describing the counter Insurgency fight as a difficult and unconventional one, the Chairman said it is more or less a kind of guerrilla war where lots of equipment, logistics, personnel and funds have been lost in the fight.
Responding, the Theater Commander JTF Operation Hadin Kai, Theater Command Headquarters Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Major Gen. Chris G. Musa, appreciated the Senate committee for their visit.
Maj. Gen. Musa also commended the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume for his representation of the Nigeria Army at the National Assembly and the presidency.
He reassured the theater command’s commitment and determination to bring to an end the 12 years Insurgency in the year 2022.
“No stone will be left unturned in an effort to rid the state and region of all criminalities and insurgency”, he assured.
While at the 7 Division NA Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, the acting GOC, Maj. Gen. Abdulwahab A. Eyitayo appreciated the Senate committee members for their visit and appealed for more support to the Nigeria Army to end the war.
He also thanked the federal lawmakers , service chiefs and presidency for their support and encouragement to the division in the fight against insurgency.
Earlier, the members of The Senate Committee on Army were at the Government House Maiduguri to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State
The committee members commended the governor for his unique and outstanding leadership as man of honour and dignity worthy of emulation.
They appreciated the governor for his excellent performance despite the security challenges on ground in the state and assured the governor that the National Assembly will continue to support the Nigeria Army in returning permanent peace in the state and region.
In his remark, Governor Zulum thanked the Senate Committee for their visit and appealed to the lawmakers to impress on the Nigeria Army to strengthen its capacity and operations against the new entrance of ISWAP in the state and region while Boko Haram terrorists are voluntarily surrendering.
Zulum also urged the military to intensify its efforts in opening Damboa Road , Malam Fatori, Abadam and Kukawa axis which is still being controlled by Boko Haram.
He explained that his government plans to resettle all the IDPs along the axis in order for them to start a new life even with or without livelihoods support with available security.
The governor further commended the NA for its sacrifices and efforts in restoration of peace in many parts of the state compare to the past , noting that the Army’s operations have been very vital and benefiting to communities in the restoration process.
