Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has lauded the Nigerian Army for its prompt and effective response in restoring calm to Kirawa, a border community in Borno State that recently came under attack by Boko Haram insurgents.
The assault, which forced residents to flee into neighbouring Cameroon, saw the insurgents burning down several structures, including the district head’s palace, a military barracks, and multiple homes.
However, the army quickly deployed reinforcements, successfully repelling the terrorists and regaining control of the area. Following the counter-operation, many displaced residents have started returning to their homes.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, praised Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), for their leadership and rapid intervention, particularly the deployment of the 153 Task Force Battalion to the troubled border town.
“The courage displayed by our military and their resilience remain laudable,” Ndume said.
“I have always acknowledged the fact that our military is overstretched, and I am impressed with their successes in the face of obvious challenges.”
The lawmaker said the military’s swift response prevented further devastation, urging authorities to maintain a permanent troop presence in Kirawa, which he described as a strategic border location.
He also called for stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Cameroonian forces to curb cross-border insurgent movement and secure frontier communities.
“I sympathise with the people of Kirawa who are at the receiving end of the insurgents,” he added.
“My appeal to them is to always remain vigilant and be willing to share useful information with the military to secure their community.”
Ndume also commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his continued commitment to resettling displaced persons and promoting resilience among conflict-affected residents.
He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising security and restoring stability in the North-East, noting that the current administration has shown genuine commitment to fulfilling its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.
“Security of lives and property is the first and paramount responsibility of any government. The present administration has not failed in fulfilling this constitutional mandate to Nigerians,” he said.
