By Kingsley Okoye
The Senate has called for improved collaboration and intelligent sharing amongst various multi-national joint security forces to curb attacks on military formations and killings of personnel especially in Borno State.
This followed the adoption of a motion at resumed plenary on Wednesday in Abuja.
The motion under “urgent matter of national public importance” was sponsored by Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) and co -sponsored by Senators Shehu Kaka and Ali Ndume (APC-Borno).
Monguno in his motion expressed concern over the recent attacks on military formation, leading to casualties among troops, including a general of the Nigerian Army and 13 other soldiers.
He said the recurring strategic attacks on Munguno, a strategic garrison town demonstrates a deliberate attempt by insurgents to undermine military operations and disrupt humanitarian and commercial access routes.
He said the Nigerian armed forces have continued to make immense sacrifice in the fight against insurgents in Munguno with officers and men paying supreme prizes in recent attacks, while defending territorial integrity of Nigeria.
He expressed worry that the resurgence of attacks on both military bases and civilian communities erodes gains already recorded in counter-insurgency operations and causes great threats to national security.
He said that the protection of innocent civilians remains a fundamental obligation under national and international humanitarian law and was essential for maintaining public trust and cooperation in the fight against insurgency.
“The primary responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of the people.
“That is the only essence of governance and that is the social contract with which the people have entered into with government, it is to protect their lives and property.”
Sen.Shehu Kaka (APC-Borno), while seconding the motion, called for improved provision of equipment for the military to combat insurgency.
Corroborating, Sen Ali Ndume (APC-Borno), said there was an urgent need to holistically address the problem of insecurity in Nigeria.
He said the problem had been issue of inadequate equipment, expressing hope that current efforts to provide equipment by the government would help address the matter.
He also called for concerted efforts to ensure the release of 416 abducted people in his constituency.
Sen.Abudl Ningi (PDP-Bauchi), expressed worry over the trend of attacks on military formations in the country, saying that efforts must be intensified to provide the needed solutions.
Sen. Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) who presided over plenary said that President Bola Tinubu is making frantic efforts to end insecurity in the country, adding that insecurity has a global connection.
The Senate also in another resolution strongly condemned the continued attacks by Boko Haram elements on military formations in Borno communities.
The Senators observed a minute of silence in honor of the effected military personnel and civilians killed in the course of the fight.
Senate also called on the Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs to conduct comprehensive operational and logistic audit of circumstances surrounding the attacks on military formations.
It equally called for assessment of equipment adequacy and rules of engagement to address identified gaps.
The Senate further called for strict adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.
It also called for adequate training on civilian protection and thoroughly investigates allegations of civilian assaults during military operations.
This, it said was to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence.
Senate also urged the local communities to cooperate with the military by giving them information and intelligence about the nefarious activities of the insurgents.
It further urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Deserter Management, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission to provide urgent humanitarian reliefs to displaced persons and families of victims.
It commended officers and men of the Operation Hadin Kai for their gallantry and urged the federal government to prioritise their welfare and provision of adequate equipment.(NAN) (www.nannews ng)
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