Politics
Ndume paints grim picture of insecurity, says Nigerian military not equipped to handle it
Senator Ali Mohammed Ndume, former chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, has expressed grave concerns about the Nigerian military’s capabilities in combating Boko Haram and banditry, asserting that they are ill-equipped to address the ongoing crisis.
His remarks came following a condolence visit to families affected by recent terrorist attacks in Gwoza.
Ndume called for better support for the military, urging the federal government to provide necessary equipment and motivation for troops. He added, “The military is determined and committed to ending Boko Haram’s madness, but this cannot be possible if they are not fully equipped, armed, trained, and motivated.”
While dismissing rumors of an ambush on his convoy, Ndume recounted a distressing journey on October 8, 2024, saying, “On our way, we received a distress call that some Cameroonian soldiers and motorists were ambushed along the Pulka-Kirawa road.”
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The Senator, who highlighted the dangers faced by the region, noted that despite the threat, his team proceeded to Kirawa to offer condolences to victims’ families.
The senator revealed that the ambush specifically targeted a businessman, resulting in casualties. “The target was not me, rather the person they killed, including an unidentified woman. Although I was told that there were other passengers who were victims of the ambush,” he explained.
Ndume also raised suspicions about potential collusion between individuals and Boko Haram, stating, “I strongly suspect that some individuals are colluding with Boko Haram, passing information to the terrorists.” Despite this, he acknowledged the military’s efforts, mentioning a reinforcement team that responded to the area, albeit at a cost to their resources, with two military vehicles damaged by explosives.
He further lamented the impact of Boko Haram on local farmers, stating, “I was reliably informed by the Village Heads… that almost half of the crops produced… were looted by terrorists, leaving local farmers frustrated and hungry.”
Highlighting the importance of agricultural security, Ndume remarked on discussions with military leadership to bolster protections for farmers, illustrating a critical need for action as insecurity continues to plague the region.
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