We risk losing Borno, N/East to terrorists, Ndume raises alarm

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has warned that Nigeria risks losing parts of Borno State and the wider North-East to terrorist groups if urgent steps are not taken to strengthen the military. Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the call on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Abuja. He urged the federal government […]

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has warned that Nigeria risks losing parts of Borno State and the wider North-East to terrorist groups if urgent steps are not taken to strengthen the military.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the call on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Abuja.

He urged the federal government to adequately equip the Nigerian Army to effectively tackle insurgency and banditry.

The senator had, over the weekend, visited Ngoshe and Pulka communities alongside Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, following recent attacks by insurgents.

Boko Haram terrorists had carried out coordinated attacks on Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

During the attacks, soldiers, a village head, and community elders, including a woman, were killed, while a number of women and children were abducted.

The Nigerian Army has since regained control of the affected communities.

“I am calling on the federal government to double its efforts in equipping the Army with sophisticated arms and ammunition,” Ndume said.

“I gathered that our soldiers lacked adequate ammunition and had to withdraw from Ngoshe and Pulka because they were overwhelmed. It was only after reinforcements arrived that they reclaimed the areas. Nothing was left standing in both communities by the attackers,” he added.

The lawmaker commended Governor Zulum for visiting the affected communities and displaced residents in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

He also urged the federal government to support the state in rebuilding the devastated areas and providing immediate relief to victims.

“I have seen Ngoshe, and it is beyond description. The destruction is total—reduced to ground zero, with nothing left except a small mosque.

“The people are resilient, and the governor is determined to rebuild. There is an urgent need for federal government intervention,” he said.

Ndume said he would engage his colleagues in the National Assembly to push for intervention, while expressing hope that the federal government would act swiftly.