Senate sound’s alarm over resurgence of Boko Haram attacks on Military formations

​By Haruna Salami

​The Senate has raised an urgent alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks targeting military personnel and formations in Borno State, describing the escalation as a grave threat to national security and humanitarian operations in the North-East.
​The concern followed a motion sponsored by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) and co-sponsored by Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central).
The lawmakers highlighted recent insurgent strikes on military bases that resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officers and troops, including Brigadier General Oseni Braimoh, Colonel Mohammed Isya, Captain A.M. Esmat, and Lieutenant Kelvin Festus, along with 13 others.
​The Senate noted with deep concern that the recurring attacks on Monguno—a strategic garrison town—and Benisheikh, located along the vital Damaturu–Maiduguri highway, signal a deliberate attempt by insurgents to dismantle military operations and choke off humanitarian and commercial access routes.
​While acknowledging the immense sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces, lawmakers expressed fears that this renewed offensive could erode the gains achieved in counter-insurgency efforts.
They warned that the instability poses a direct threat to food security and the ongoing resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across Borno State.
Stressing that the protection of civilians and military personnel is a fundamental obligation under national and international law, the Senate resolved to condemn in the strongest terms the continued Boko Haram attacks on military formations and Borno communities.
​It also calls upon the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to conduct a comprehensive operational and logistical audit to determine the circumstances that allowed the attacks in Benisheikh and other affected areas to occur.
​It equally urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and preemptive strikes to protect strategic formations.
​In honor of the fallen heroes and civilians who lost their lives in the recent violence, the Senate observed a minute of silence during the plenary session.