Military lacks weapons, morale to defeat terrorists — Ali Ndume

Senator Ali Mohammed Ndume, former chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, has emphasized that the Nigerian military lacks both the weapons and the morale needed to bring an end to Boko Haram and banditry.

In a response to rumors on social media about an alleged ambush on his convoy by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, the Senator clarified that the convoy was not targeted. Speaking from his Maiduguri residence on Wednesday, October 9, he explained that he had been returning from a condolence visit to families of victims in several communities within the Gwoza local government area.

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Senator Ndume, accompanied by other stakeholders and a military escort, set out for Ngoshe to offer condolences. Along the way, they were alerted to an ambush on the Pulka-Kirawa road, where Cameroonian soldiers and civilians were attacked. Despite the threat, the convoy continued to Kirawa, successfully delivering their condolences to the bereaved families and urging the local community to remain resilient in the face of Boko Haram’s renewed attacks.

The Senator highlighted the recent ambush on the Kirawa road, which resulted in the death of a Cameroonian businessman and an unidentified woman, leaving others injured. He expressed suspicion that certain individuals may be collaborating with Boko Haram by sharing information with the terrorist group.

Senator Ndume also spoke about his longstanding plans to visit Ngoshe and Kirawa. Due to the inaccessibility of the Kirawa road at the time, he had been unable to go earlier. When the convoy departed the previous day, they were heavily escorted by military personnel under the directive of the Theatre Commander and GOC 7 Division, which provided reassurance during the journey.

He reiterated that, although his convoy was not the target of the ambush, it underscored the urgent need to strengthen military reinforcements in the region. The military, despite facing challenges such as planted explosives that damaged patrol vehicles, was able to clear the area and allow the convoy to continue to Kirawa. The Senator took the opportunity to lay the foundation for a new classroom block in Kirawa before returning safely to Maiduguri.

Reflecting on the broader security situation, Senator Ndume stressed that the looting of crops by terrorists in Gwoza communities has left many farmers devastated. He praised the efforts of the Nigerian military and the Borno State Government, led by Governor Babagana Zulum, in addressing Boko Haram violence but highlighted the limitations they face. He urged the federal government to properly equip, arm, and motivate the military to enable them to defeat Boko Haram.

He also spoke with General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, who assured him of additional military reinforcements in Gwoza to safeguard farmers and their crops. Senator Ndume concluded by underscoring the determination of the military to end Boko Haram’s violence, but warned that success is only possible if they are fully equipped, trained, and motivated.