Ndume Sympathises With Military Over Borno Base Attack

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) has commiserated with Troops of Theatre Command North East Joint Task Force ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ (OPHK), members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and families of civilians killed during encounter with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Sabon Gari, Damboa local government area of Borno State.

Ndume also extended his sympathies to the people of Harang and other surrounding communities in Hawul local government area, where some terrorists attacked and killed one person and destroyed houses and other property.

The media information officer at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba on Thursday in a statement said 12 ISWAP terrorists were nuetralised by troops with recovery of arms and ammunition during confrontation, unfortunately, some soldiers of Sector 2 at Sabon Gari, Damboa local government area, alongside some CJTF members and civilians paid the supreme price.

It was gathered that most of the civilians killed were Biu indigenes who were casual workers at the Wajiroko bridge along Biu- Maiduguri-Damboa road that was destroyed by terrorists some years ago.

Biu, Damboa and Hawul are local government areas in Southern Borno Senatorial District.

Ndume, a former chairman of the Senate Committee on Army in a condolence message in Maiduguri yesterday urged the military, especially troops of OPHK, not to be deterred by pockets of terrorists’ attacks, but remain committed and steadfast in order to end the over 16-year war.

He appreciated Governor Babagana Zulum, the troops and other security agencies for their unwavering sacrifices in the ongoing clearance operations at the Sambisa Forests, Timbuktu Triangle, Mandara Mountains and other hideouts of terrorists, which led to decisive blows on many Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their commanders in the last one month.

Ndume while praying God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed, wished the injured ones quick recovery.

He reiterated his calls on the federal government to equip security agencies with fighter jets, drones and other sophisticated warfare technologies, even as he advocated for immediate payment of all entitlements to the families of deceased soldiers and other security personnel who had paid the supreme price in defending their fatherland.

He also sought collaboration between the people of Borno and the North East to give timely information on the movement on whereabouts of terrorists to security agencies, as according to him, the fight against terrorism should not be left in the hands of government and security agencies alone.