Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has strongly condemned a series of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State that recently claimed the lives of five soldiers, two immigration officers, and 58 civilians, while also resulting in multiple abductions.
The incidents occurred in Darajamal, a resettled community along the Bama-Banki road, and in Monguno local government area. According to Ndume, Darajamal villagers were attacked last Friday night, leading to the deaths of soldiers and civilians, while many, primarily women and girls, were kidnapped. Troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, with air support, responded promptly, killing over 30 insurgents as they fled. The Monguno attack the previous Thursday claimed two immigration officers.
In a statement made available on Sunday, Ndume expressed shock over the continued violence and extended condolences to the families of victims and the government of Borno. He prayed for the deceased to be granted Aljannatul Firdaus.
Highlighting the strain on local security structures, Ndume advocated for the establishment and strengthening of Armed Community Defence initiatives to complement military operations. He pointed out that the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes have been instrumental in confronting insurgents but are limited by rudimentary weapons such as den guns and sticks.
“Let me therefore use this opportunity to advocate for the setting up of Armed Community Defence to complement the efforts of the military. Men of the CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they face limitations confronting terrorists with den guns and sticks,” Ndume said.
The senator also called on the federal government and the Nigerian Military to enhance deployment of Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, and Motivation (TEAAM) within the Theatre Command. He described this strategy as essential to ending the persistent Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, the North East, and other affected areas of the country.
Ndume commended Operation Hadin Kai and other security agencies for their sacrifices, but stressed that several communities across Borno South, North, and Central Senatorial Districts have remained under siege in recent months.
He urged citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies, particularly by sharing intelligence on terrorist movements and methods. “The federal government, the military, and local communities must work together. Enhanced information sharing and improved equipment are critical to protecting lives and restoring peace,” Ndume said.
The recent attacks in Darajamal and Monguno underscore the ongoing security challenges in Borno, despite sustained military operations, and highlight the senator’s call for integrated community and federal responses to counter terrorism.
