The Chief Whip of the Senate and lawmaker representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, on Wednesday commended President Bola Tinubu and the military high command for their prompt intervention in repelling a recent Boko Haram attack on Kirawa, a border community in Borno State.
The insurgents had reportedly invaded the town, forcing terrified residents to flee into neighbouring Cameroon after torching the palace of the district head, military barracks, and several homes.
The situation was later brought under control following a swift deployment of troops to the area.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Ndume praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their decisive action — particularly the deployment of the 153 Task Force Battalion to secure the community.
“The courage displayed by our military and their resilience remains laudable. I have always acknowledged the fact that our military is overstretched, and I am impressed with their successes in the face of obvious challenges,” he said.
The senator noted that the rapid response of the military prevented further destruction and loss of life while urging authorities to make the deployment in Kirawa permanent given its strategic location as a border town.
He also called for enhanced cooperation between Nigerian and Cameroonian forces to strengthen cross-border security against insurgents.
“I sympathise with the people of Kirawa who are at the receiving end of the insurgents. My appeal to them is to always remain vigilant and be willing to share useful information with the military to secure their community,” Ndume added.
While commending Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum for his efforts to resettle displaced residents, Ndume lauded President Tinubu for his “genuine commitment to restoring peace” in the North-East.
“Security of lives and property is the first and paramount responsibility of any government. The present administration has not failed in fulfilling this constitutional mandate to Nigerians,” he stated.
