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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s recent emergency actions on national security were beginning to yield visible results, particularly in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
This is just as he charged Northern governors to emulate Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, for his determined fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Ndume, who represents Borno South, made the commendation in a statement yesterday in Abuja.
His remarks followed a wave of kidnappings in parts of the country, including the abduction of students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State; pupils of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State and worshippers at a church in Kwara State.
In response to the escalating attacks, President Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency on insecurity and ordered sweeping measures aimed at dismantling terrorists’ networks.
Among the major steps taken by the President is the directive to the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across the country.
Ndume praised the decision, noting the positive feedback from military personnel.
“The directive to engage forest guards, coupled with their training, has gone a long way to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Army and they are happy with that too,” he said.
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He also commended the Federal Government for improvements in the welfare of security personnel, particularly the Nigerian Army, saying the enhancements were already boosting morale on the frontlines.
According to him, “There is visible improvement in terms of cooperation between the Armed Forces and other security agencies. That is very commendable.”
He noted further progress in the provision of military equipment, saying, “There is visible improvement in the kitting of the military in terms of new arms, uniforms, protection helmets, boots and bulletproof vests.”
While acknowledging that salaries for military personnel had been doubled, the lawmaker insisted that the remuneration still falls short when compared with other armed forces in the sub-region. He urged the government to prioritise further procurement of critical equipment.
“The government must do more by giving priority to arms and ammunition needed at the theatres of operation. They need to procure more attack helicopters, add more armoured personnel carriers and gun trucks,” he added.
He also lauded Prof Zulum for his robust contributions to the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
He said Zulum had demonstrated unwavering commitment by investing over N100 billion in support of the Nigerian Army, the Civilian Joint Task Force, the Police and other security agencies.
“That has complemented the efforts of the Nigerian Army. That’s very commendable. I urge other governors in the North to emulate him,” he said.
