The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday directed the military high command to urgently redeploy troops and sophisticated equipment to Borno and Yobe states following a disturbing resurgence of Boko Haram attacks that have claimed the lives of over a dozen soldiers and disrupted fragile peace in the North-East.
The resolution came during plenary after the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Munguno, raised a motion citing deadly assaults on Marte in Monguno Local Government on Monday, May 12, and a follow-up attack on Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government early Tuesday morning.
Senator Munguno, a key figure from Borno State, recalled that while Boko Haram had previously controlled two-thirds of Borno, combined efforts by the military and civilian joint task forces had successfully reclaimed those territories. However, he warned that militants are now deploying modern warfare tactics — including drones and improvised explosive devices — causing heavy casualties and destroying vital infrastructure.
Concerned by the gravity of the situation, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging the military to return full tactical presence to the region and ensure deployed personnel are equipped with advanced technology. It also mandated its committees on Army and Air Force to monitor compliance.
Zulum Condemns Renewed Attacks
In a related development, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, strongly condemned the latest wave of terror in the state, which includes assaults on Maiduguri-Damboa Road, Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, and Kala Balge.
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Governor Zulum expressed deep sorrow over the tragic killing of two staff members of the Damboa Local Education Authority, who were victims of an IED blast while en route to sit for a Teachers Registration Council exam in Maiduguri.
“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable,” Zulum said in a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya. “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 reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Federal Government and all security agencies, saying his recent visit to Gwoza — where he met military officials and the Izge community — was part of ongoing efforts to sustain resilience and restore lasting peace.
“This is a partial eclipse,” Zulum concluded. “We shall overcome it, Insha Allah.”