Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian military hierarchy for their swift and decisive intervention in restoring normalcy to Kirawa, a border community in Borno State, recently attacked by Boko Haram insurgents.
The lawmaker, in a statement issued on Wednesday, praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their prompt deployment of troops to repel the insurgents, particularly the reinforcement of the 153 Task Force Battalion.
Kirawa, a strategic town along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, had witnessed a wave of displacement in recent weeks after suspected Boko Haram fighters overran the area, setting ablaze several homes, the district head’s palace, and a military barracks. The incursion forced residents to flee across the border into neighbouring Cameroon.
However, military reinforcements were swiftly deployed to the area, pushing back the attackers and enabling the return of displaced residents under improved security arrangements.
Ndume, while hailing the bravery and professionalism of the Nigerian troops, said the quick intervention by the military averted what could have been a greater humanitarian crisis.
“The courage displayed by our military and their resilience remain laudable,” he said. “I have always acknowledged the fact that our military is overstretched, and I am impressed with their successes in the face of obvious challenges.”
The Senator, who represents Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, urged the military authorities to establish a permanent base in Kirawa, citing the town’s vulnerability due to its location along the porous Nigeria-Cameroon border.
He also called for sustained cross-border collaboration between Nigerian and Cameroonian forces to effectively police the region and prevent future incursions.
Ndume further sympathised with the residents of Kirawa who bore the brunt of the recent attack, urging them to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security personnel to ensure the community’s continued safety.
“My appeal to them is to always remain vigilant and be willing to share useful information with the military to secure their community,” he said.
The lawmaker also lauded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his relentless efforts in resettling displaced persons and restoring hope among affected communities.
He reserved special commendation for President Tinubu, whom he credited for demonstrating “more than a passing interest” in restoring lasting peace to the North-East region.
“Security of lives and property is the first and paramount responsibility of any government. The present administration has not failed in fulfilling this constitutional mandate to Nigerians,” Ndume said.
