Senate mourns troops killed in Borno

The Senate on Wednesday mourned the soldiers killed during a recent attack in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. During plenary, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North) moved a motion to recognize the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers. While expressing concern over the frequent assaults on Nigerian Army formations, the Senate observed a minute […]

The Senate on Wednesday mourned the soldiers killed during a recent attack in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

During plenary, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North) moved a motion to recognize the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers.

While expressing concern over the frequent assaults on Nigerian Army formations, the Senate observed a minute of silence for the deceased troops.

Monguno informed the Senate that suspected insurgents launched a coordinated attack in the early hours of March 9, targeting troops stationed in Kukawa.

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He stated that the attackers advanced from several directions, engaging soldiers in a prolonged battle that lasted nearly 24 hours.

Despite the intensity, the troops resisted bravely.

The Senator particularly lamented the death of Lt. Col. Umar Farouq, describing him as a key figure in restoring stability to Kukawa after insurgents had previously ransacked the town.

He said Lt. Col. Farouq played a pivotal role in facilitating the return of displaced residents.

The Senator expressed concern that the attack occurred despite ongoing counter-insurgency efforts under Operation Hadin Kai, which aims to dismantle extremist networks in the North-East.

Monguno further revealed that another community, Doro in the Kukawa Local Government Area, was attacked by insurgents on Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of one soldier.

“Even this morning, as I came to present this motion, I received reports of another attack,” he said.

Seconding the motion, Senator Shehu Lawal (APC-Borno Central) stated that the resurgence of insurgency in Borno has reached an alarming rate and requires urgent action.

“I also want to commend the military for not abdicating their responsibility. They stood firm to fight this insurgency with a view to allowing our people to sleep with both eyes closed,” Lawal added.

The lawmakers urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and logistical support to strengthen the ongoing efforts to end the insurgency.

Reacting to the motion, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that President Bola Tinubu is working tirelessly to tackle insecurity across the country.