Ndume
Insecurity can be ended in six months if FG shows seriousness – Senator Ndume
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, has stated that Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity crisis could be resolved decisively within half a year, provided the Federal Government demonstrates genuine commitment.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Ndume voiced concern over the recent surge in violence, especially in the North-East. He stressed that the focus should shift from complaints to decisive action and political will.
“It is not about complaining. It is not about asking somebody like me as a senator to say why these things. I always believe that if the President and the Federal Government of Nigeria are serious about this, we can end this thing in six months. All we need is to train our soldiers, equip them, arm them very well, and then motivate them,” Ndume said.
The lawmaker lamented the persistent loss of military personnel, including senior officers, noting that such incidents reveal deeper operational weaknesses. “After killing their commanders, they now come back to kill our commanders and they are still talking about five, six, or even seven. Even today, around Northern Borno, we lost a colonel, I understand, with some soldiers. This should not continue. This is now the problem,” he added.
Ndume also blamed the worsening security situation on inconsistent and incomplete implementation of security strategies. “The escalating security situation has really been enhanced by the challenge and the threat, and the actions that have been taken that have never been completely done. We have to be very serious about this matter; we have to walk the talk.”
On the issue of foreign support, the senator emphasised the need for intelligence, technology, and specialised expertise rather than reliance on external forces. “What we need is intelligence. What we need is air support. We also need the expertise of those that are specialists. We even have some that were trained outside, special forces. We have capable hands already on the ground; all they need is equipment, ammunition, and motivation.”
“We do not have enough drones. Look at what Burkina Faso is doing, it is technology. We can use technology to finish or minimise these things within the shortest possible time. If you deploy drones and have trained people to operate them, with proper command centres, we can achieve results,” he said.
Ndume further noted that Borno State would have suffered even greater devastation without the efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum, commending his interventions in stabilising parts of the state.
His remarks come amid renewed security concerns in the North-East and across Nigeria. A recent airstrike at Jilli Market along the Yobe–Borno border on Saturday has drawn scrutiny over reported civilian casualties. The Nigerian Air Force said the strike targeted suspected Boko Haram insurgents and that it is investigating the reported casualties. While casualty figures remain unclear, several deaths and injuries have been reported, with victims receiving treatment in nearby facilities.
The incident followed a deadly attack on Thursday on a military formation in Benisheikh, where troops repelled insurgents but suffered casualties. Security challenges, including banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes, persist nationwide.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, during a recent visit to Bayelsa State, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. In a related development, the United States Department of State has issued travel advisories and begun reducing its staff presence in Abuja. The Federal Government described this as a routine precaution and not a reflection of the country’s security situation.
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