The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has stated that budgeting less than 30 billion for the Nigerian military to enhance their welfare and operations is grossly inadequate.
Senator Ndume made the statement at the Headquarters, Theater Command, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri while on an oversight function to ensure the Nigeria Army are well catered for.
Senator Ndume who led other members of the Senate Committee on Army said they were in Borno State to ensure the welfare, equipment, trainings, weapons, allowances and all the necessary logistics, of the officers and men of the Nigerian army are adequately provided.
Ndume therefore applauded the Nigerian military for their doggedness and resilience in restoring peace to the epicenter of terrorist activities in the North East region while assuring the Nigerian Army of the continuous support of the National Assembly and Federal Government in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
He however lamented the living conditions of the soldiers and described the counter Insurgency fight as a difficult and unconventional one, which has taken a lot from the military including equipment, logistics, personnel and funds.
He said, “I am praying and hoping that it is under this command that Terrorism will come to an end, it also seems that as the Boko Haram is surrendering the strength of the ISWAP fighters seems to be growing especially in southern Borno so please do more in this year 2022 that it might be written in history that this war in the north east is brought to an end ”
On his Part, the Theater Commander Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Christopher Musa, commended the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume for his representation of the Nigeria Army at the National Assembly and the presidency and reassured him of the theater command’s commitment and determination to bring to an end the 12 years Insurgency in the year 2022.
“It is the drive of the committee that has contributed to the drive we are witnessing today, on behalf of my officers and troops we will continue on our part to ensure peace is restored. No stone will be left unturned in an effort to rid the state and region of all criminalities and insurgency”, The TC assured.
AT 7 DIV HEADQUARTERS
The senate committee was also at the 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, where the acting General Officer Commanding 7 division Nigerian Army, Major General Abdulwahab Eyitayo appreciated the Senate committee members for the visit and appealed for more support to the Nigeria Army to end the war.
He equally appreciated the Federal Lawmakers, the Service Chiefs as well as the presidency for their support and encouragement to the division in the fight against insurgency.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE MAIDUGURI
The Members of the Senate Committee on Army were also at the Government House Maiduguri on a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State where the committee members commended the governor for his unique and outstanding leadership which they described as worthy of emulation.
The members led by Senator Ndume said in spite of the security challenges in the state, the governor has done excellently well.
National Assembly’s Support
The committee members assured the governor of the National Assembly’s continuous support to the Nigeria Army in returning peace in the state and the region.
In his remark, Governor Zulum thanked the Senate Committee for their visit and appealed to the lawmakers to impress on the Nigeria Army to strengthen its capacity and operations against the new entrance of ISWAP in the state and region as Boko Haram terrorists continue to voluntarily surrender to the troops.
Zulum also urged the military to intensify its efforts in opening Damboa Road , Malam Fatori, Abadam and Kukawa axis which is still being controlled by Boko Haram.
He explained that his government plans to resettle all the IDPs along the axis in order for them to start a new life while commending the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices and efforts in restoration of peace in many parts of the state.
He said, “Borno State has started witnessing the gradual return of peace to the State. This will not be possible without the support of the Federal Government. The Service Chiefs are giving us the desired cooperation. Indeed the current Theater Commander and the GOCs have been giving their cooperation”.
He however expressed great concern over the increasing presence of terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in some parts of the State, and called for urgent security measures to curtail their growth.
He explained that “ISWAP’s fighters are better armed, better equipped, more intelligent and more sophisticated than Boko Haram”.
“we have to do something about the operations of ISWAP in Borno State, if nothing is done to checkmate their activities it may be bad not only for people of the North-East, but the entire Nation at large”.
“ISWAP’s fighters are better armed, better equipped, more intelligent and more sophisticated than Boko Haram”.
“we have to do something about the operations of ISWAP in Borno State, if nothing is done to checkmate their activities it may be bad not only for people of the North-East, but the entire Nation at large”.
The Senate Committee on Army was led by the its chairman senator Ali Ndume with other principal officers which includes, Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South, and Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Hassan Mohammed Gusau, Senator Kola Balogun from Oyo South Senatorial district, Senator Bulus K. Amos Gombe South.
Confidence Okwuchi
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