The Senate has condemned a wave of deadly Boko Haram assaults on military formations in Borno State, demanding an urgent operational audit and new protections for troops after 16 soldiers, including senior officers, were killed in the latest raids.
The Senate took this position following a motion, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Monguno (Borno North) and co-sponsored by Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and Shehu Lawan Kaka (Borno Central), which was unanimously adopted after debate.
The chamber noted with “deep concern” the loss of Brig. Gen. Oseni Braimoh, Col. Mohammed Isya, Capt. A.M Esmat, Lt. Kelvin Festus and 13 other personnel in the attacks.
Lawmakers warned that the strikes on Monguno, a strategic garrison town, and Benisheikh, a key point along the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway, were no coincidence, saying that the raids show a deliberate insurgent strategy to choke military operations and cut humanitarian and commercial lifelines.
Senators acknowledged the “immense sacrifices” of the Armed Forces, stressing that gallant officers and men continue to pay the supreme price in the counter-insurgency war.
The chamber expressed concerns that the resurgence of attacks on both bases and civilian communities was eroding hard-won gains, threatening national security, food security, and the fragile resettlement of IDPs across Borno.
“The protection of innocent civilians remains a fundamental obligation under national and international humanitarian law,” the motion stated, adding it is vital for keeping public trust in the fight against terror.
Accordingly, the Senate strongly condemned Boko Haram’s continued attacks on military formations in Borno communities while observing a minute of silence for all fallen military personnel and civilians.
The Chamber also called on the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to conduct a comprehensive operational and logistical audit of the Benisheikh and Monguno attacks, including equipment adequacy and rules of engagement, and to fix gaps immediately.
It urged the Armed Forces to tighten adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, boost civilian-protection training, and investigate any allegations of civilian harm to ensure accountability.
The apex legislative Assembly appealed to local communities to cooperate with the military by sharing timely intelligence on insurgent movements.
It pressed the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, and the North East Development Commission to rush relief to displaced persons and victims’ families in Benisheikh, Monguno, and surrounding areas.
The Red Chamber commended troops of Operation Hadin Kai for their gallantry and urged the Federal Government to prioritize their welfare, equipment, and combat motivation.
