Boko Haram: Ndume Seeks Engagement Of Mercenaries

The Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to engage the services of military contractors to end Boko Haram and other insecurity in the country.

Commending the efforts of the military and the civilian JTF, Ndume pointed out their lack of resources to effectively combat the insurgency.

He noted that many countries, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France, often engage military contractors to assist in warfare.

He proposed that, in the long term, Nigeria should recruit able-bodied youths to bolster its military forces to at least one million personnel.

Ndume expressed concern over the impact of Boko Haram on local farmers, who are being forced to abandon their crops amidst a national food crisis. He stated, “Worldwide, governments utilise military contractors for various operations.

President Tinubu could explore this option as a temporary measure. These contractors would collaborate with our military and the civilian JTF, who are familiar with the terrain.”

He emphasised that these contractors could bring essential equipment and military resources to eliminate the Boko Haram threat swiftly and could also assist in dealing with banditry in the North West.

While currently in Benin Republic for an ECOWAS Parliament engagement, Ndume reiterated his call for the President to seriously consider this approach.

On Monday, Boko Haram terrorists launched a brutal assault in Ngoshe, Gwoza local government area of Borno State, resulting in the deaths of six farmers and the abduction of five individuals, including women.

During the attack, Jubril Dada Zarana, the commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force in the region, was killed. Fortunately, no military personnel lost their lives, although they attempted to fend off the attackers without success.

This attack came just weeks after a bomb blast by the same group claimed numerous civilian lives, leaving hundreds injured.

Filibus Yakubu, the councillor for Ngoshe ward, shared details of the incident during a phone call with reporters.

He explained that the terrorists ambushed the farmers while they were working in their fields.

He noted that security forces, including the Army and Civilian JTF, “did their utmost to protect the community, but ultimately could not withstand the assault.”

He described Jubril Dada Zarana as a brave defender of his people and shared that three women released by the terrorists provided information about the hostages, indicating that additional individuals are still unaccounted for.

Yakubu expressed the deep sorrow of the community, stating, “Today, while the nation celebrates Independence Day—symbolising freedom and unity—our people experience despair, deprivation, and helplessness. Despite the dire conditions, they remain steadfast in their love for their homeland.”

He emphasised the critical shortage of essential supplies for the people, noting that non-governmental organisations have not been able to provide food. He lamented that farmers face life-threatening risks as they attempt to harvest their crops, which are vital for survival.

“Those from Ngoshe and surrounding villages—such as Gava, Agapalawa, Amuda, Chinene, Chikide, Dhugwade, Kwadale, Bokko, Barawa, and Kughum—are in dire need of divine intervention,” he added, calling for peace and mercy for the deceased and abducted.