Boko Haram: President, insurgents have gained the upper hand over our military—Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, is one of the highest-ranking senators in the Senate, and in a recent interview, he expressed his concern that the military lacks adequate equipment to combat Boko Haram insurgents and their sophisticated weapons.

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Ndume commended President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency on security, but emphasized the need for the president to increase the provision of equipment and boost the morale of the soldiers to effectively tackle the insurgency.

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A recent insurgent attack in Ngoshe, within Ndume's constituency, resulted in heavy casualties for the soldiers, who were forced to withdraw due to a lack of adequate equipment and ammunition, including MRAPs.

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According to Ndume, if the military had been adequately equipped, they would not have been dislodged, as the Nigerian army is comprised of gallant and determined young people who are willing to fight.

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Ndume had previously raised the alarm that Borno state and the entire North East might be taken over by terrorists if the military is not equipped by the federal government, and he stands by his position, having worked closely with the army and shared intelligence with them.

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He emphasized that while the government is making efforts, it is still insufficient, and more needs to be done to provide the armed forces and security agencies with the necessary equipment and arms to face the insurgency.

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The army in Ngoshe and Pulka had to withdraw due to a lack of arms, ammunition, and equipment, but they have since returned and taken over, although they still lack the necessary equipment and ammunition for a task force battalion.

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Ndume commended President Tinubu for increasing the number of army recruits, depots for training, and police recruitment, as well as introducing the forest guard, but emphasized that more needs to be done to provide equipment, training, and motivation to the soldiers.

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He expressed his hope that President Tinubu will listen to his concerns and increase his efforts to address the insurgency, despite not having direct access to the president.

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In his constituency, areas such as Gwoza, Biu, Hawul, Uba/Askira, and Chibok are severely affected by the insurgency, with the people displaced and living in temporary camps, awaiting the rebuilding of their villages and the provision of security.

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The soldiers on the ground have reinforced their numbers, but still lack adequate equipment, ammunition, and motivation, which is necessary to defend the people and rebuild the affected areas.

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The morale of the soldiers fighting the insurgents is still high, but they are being demoralized by the lack of equipment, and Ndume emphasized that with the necessary equipment and ammunition, the Nigerian army can overcome the insurgency.

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The insurgency affects multiple areas within Ndume's constituency, including Gwoza East and West, Damboa, Biu, Hawul, and Uba/Askira, as well as areas in Borno North, such as Marte, Monguno, and Kala/Balge.

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Ndume highlighted the need for the president to be aware of the facts on the ground, including the lack of equipment, ammunition, training, and motivation, as well as the poor living conditions and low salaries of the soldiers.

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To bring an end to the insurgency, Ndume emphasized the need for the Nigerian army to be well-trained, well-equipped, well-armed, and well-motivated, which he referred to as the TEAM approach.

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He also stressed the importance of air support, including attack helicopters, to support the ground troops and enable them to execute their mission effectively.

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Despite the challenges, the people in the affected areas are resilient and willing to return to their homes if a conducive environment is created, with the security agencies providing the necessary support and protection.

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The authorities in Borno State have made efforts to salvage the situation, with the governor providing support to the Nigerian army and other security agencies, but Ndume emphasized that the resources of the state government are not enough to address the situation, and the federal government needs to pay more attention.