Senate Orders Security Audit, Intervention Over Borno, Benue Attacks

The Senate has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to undertake a comprehensive operational and logistical audit following recent attacks on military formations in Benisheikh and Monguno in Borno State, as well as rising insecurity in Benue State.

The directive followed a motion of urgent national importance raised under Orders 41 and 51 by Deputy Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno (Borno North), over renewed insurgent attacks in the North-East.

Presenting the motion during plenary on Wednesday, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of several personnel, including Brigadier General Oseni Braimoh, Colonel Mohammed Isya, Captain A.M. Esmat, Lieutenant Kelvin Festus, and 13 other soldiers.

The Senate resolution mandates an in-depth review of the circumstances surrounding the attacks, including an assessment of equipment adequacy and adherence to the rules of engagement.

Leading the debate, Monguno expressed concern over repeated attacks on Monguno, a strategic garrison town, and Benisheikh, located along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.

He said the pattern of attacks indicates attempts by insurgents to weaken military operations and disrupt humanitarian and commercial activities.

The Senate acknowledged the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, noting that the recent attacks led to the deaths of several personnel, including senior officers and soldiers.

Lawmakers warned that continued violence against military formations and civilian communities could undermine national security, food systems, and resettlement efforts for internally displaced persons.

The chamber condemned the attacks and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen personnel and affected civilians.

It also urged the military to strengthen compliance with the rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, including enhanced training on civilian protection.

In his contribution, Ali Ndume (Borno South) said the situation in the North-East reflects broader security challenges nationwide, warning that insurgent groups continue to regroup despite ongoing operations.

He also called for intensified efforts to rescue civilians reportedly still in captivity.

Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) urged agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide urgent humanitarian support to affected communities.

Other lawmakers stressed the need for improved funding, better equipment for security forces, and sustained national focus on tackling insecurity, while Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) called for the suspension of political activities in some affected states until stability is restored.

In a related development, the Senate also moved to address renewed violence in Benue State following a motion raised by Minority Whip, Abba Moro (Benue North).

Moro drew attention to the killing of several persons in Apa Local Government Area on April 12, 2026, describing it as part of a recurring pattern of attacks on rural communities.

He warned that persistent insecurity in Benue has disrupted farming activities and poses a threat to food security, noting the state’s importance to national agricultural production.

Following deliberations, the Senate called on the Federal Government to deploy additional security personnel to affected areas and urged security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend those responsible.

The chamber also mandated relevant committees to investigate the recurring attacks and recommend lasting solutions, while calling on NEMA and other agencies to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to victims.

Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to implement long-term strategies, including land use reforms, ranching policies, and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms.

The Senate also called for the establishment of additional security formations in affected areas and increased funding for security operations to improve intelligence gathering and rapid response.

In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the attacks as unfortunate and extended condolences to the victims’ families, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.

The Senate commended troops involved in counter-insurgency operations, particularly Operation Hadin Kai, and concluded proceedings with a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives.