Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) has expressed deep condolences to the families of soldiers, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, and civilians killed during a recent encounter with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
Ndume also extended sympathies to residents of Harang and neighboring communities in Hawul LGA, where terrorists recently attacked, killing one person and destroying homes and property.
The Southern Borno Senatorial District, which includes Biu, Damboa, and Hawul LGAs, has been a recurring target of insurgent attacks. Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command North East Joint Task Force ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ (OPHK), reported that troops neutralized dozens of ISWAP fighters and recovered weapons during the confrontation. Unfortunately, some soldiers, CJTF members, and civilians lost their lives in the engagement. Many of the civilians killed were Biu indigenes and casual workers at the Wajiroko bridge along the Biu-Maiduguri-Damboa road.
In a condolence message issued in Maiduguri, Ndume urged the military not to be deterred by sporadic attacks but to remain steadfast in the ongoing fight against terrorism, which has lasted over 16 years. He commended Governor Babagana Zulum, the troops, and other security agencies for their sustained operations in the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, Mandara Mountains, and other terrorist hideouts, which led to significant blows against Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders in the past month.
Ndume prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soldiers, CJTF members, and civilians, and wished the injured a swift recovery. He also called on the federal government to equip security forces with fighter jets, drones, and other advanced technologies, and to ensure the immediate payment of entitlements to families of fallen personnel.
The senator further emphasized the importance of collaboration between the people of Borno and security agencies. He stressed that the fight against terrorism requires timely intelligence from local communities and should not rest solely on government and security forces.
“Let me reiterate my call for the people of Borno and the North East to give timely information on the movement or whereabouts of terrorists to our security agencies,” Ndume said. “The fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility.”
