Senator Ali Ndume has disclosed that Borno State has suffered over 300 deaths in 252 separate attacks by Boko Haram insurgents over the past six months, leading Governor Babagana Zulum to seek urgent intervention from Nigeria’s military leadership.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Ndume said the visit to the military high command followed several consultations with key stakeholders in Borno.
The delegation included Governor Zulum, Senator Ndume, two other senators, and a member of the House of Representatives.
They met with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, alongside the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to raise concerns over the deteriorating security situation.
Ndume expressed worry over the increase in attacks, stating that from November last year to the present, more than 100 soldiers and over 200 civilians have been killed.
He acknowledged the efforts of the military but emphasized that they are stretched beyond capacity.
“In just six months, we recorded 252 attacks. The military has eliminated more than 800 terrorists, and internal clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP have claimed over 500 more. Still, the crisis is worsening,” he said.
He noted that three local government areas—Gudumbari, Marche, and Abadam—are currently under the control of Boko Haram.
According to him, movement across many parts of the state is highly restricted after 6 p.m., with only a few areas in Southern Borno remaining accessible during the evening hours.
Ndume also revealed that key roads such as the Maiduguri–Biu highway have been shut down and are only accessible through military escorts.
He further lamented that several military bases, including those in Wajiruku, Sabongari, and Monguno, have been overrun or displaced by insurgents.
Despite these setbacks, Ndume praised the military’s dedication but stressed the need for enhanced capacity. “What we need now is a properly trained, equipped, and motivated military force. That’s what I call the TEAM strategy,” he concluded.
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