By Abdullahi Inuwa
Abuja – Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has raised a strong alarm, urging the Federal Government to urgently respond to the persistent concerns raised by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, over the lingering threat of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East region.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Ndume emphasized that Governor Zulum’s warnings are not mere political rhetoric, but grounded in reality and deep concern for the lives and livelihoods of citizens in Borno and across the North-East. He said the Federal Government must stop treating the matter with levity and instead act decisively to end the decade-long insurgency.
“Governor Zulum has been consistent, courageous, and brutally honest about the threats we face in Borno. When he speaks, he speaks for the people, for the troops, and for the future of our nation,” Ndume said. “Ignoring his calls is not only dangerous but a gross disservice to the efforts and sacrifices already made.”
Ndume’s statement comes on the heels of Zulum’s recent call for a comprehensive review of the Federal Government’s counter-insurgency strategy. Zulum had lamented the resurgence of attacks on vulnerable communities, especially in southern and northern parts of Borno, where remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP factions continue to wreak havoc.
According to Ndume, the government must urgently provide more support to security agencies on the frontlines, especially the Nigerian Army, Civilian JTF, and local vigilante groups who risk their lives daily to protect communities. He also urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to scale up efforts in resettling displaced persons and rebuilding critical infrastructure.
“The war is not over. We have made progress, yes. But victory cannot be declared when people are still being killed, abducted, and displaced in their own homeland. We must re-strategize. We must act fast,” he said.
He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinibu to personally interface with Governor Zulum and other key stakeholders in the region to understand the true picture on the ground. He stressed that the solution must be both military and developmental, with emphasis on job creation, education, and rehabilitation of former insurgents who have genuinely surrendered.
“The people are tired. They need peace, not promises. And I believe President Tinibu has the political will and leadership acumen to turn things around if he listens and takes urgent action,” Ndume concluded.
Security analysts have also echoed Ndume’s warning, noting that ignoring intelligence and ground reports from people like Governor Zulum could reverse the gains made over the years and embolden terror cells in the Lake Chad basin.
As tension continues to simmer in the North-East, all eyes are now on the Presidency and security chiefs to respond appropriately, before the situation slips further into chaos.
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
About The Author
