The Senate expressed serious concern over the horrific attack on a Nigerian Army formation on Wednesday and lamented the troops who lost their lives in the Kukawa attack in Borno.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a motion made by Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North) at plenary in Abuja prompted the senate to observe a minute of silence for the troops.
The motion was made by Monguno, who stated that the military stationed in Kukawa Local Government Area were the target of a coordinated attack by suspected rebels in the early hours of March 9.
According to him, the soldiers engaged in a protracted combat that lasted about 24 hours as the assailants came from multiple directions, but they valiantly fought.
Lt.-Col. Umar Farouq’s death was especially regretted by the senator, who described him as a pivotal figure in the reestablishment of calm in Kukawa following an insurgent raid.
“Lt.-Col. Farouk was crucial in helping displaced residents return,” he recalled.
The congressman described the incident as part of fresh rebel offensives and revealed that numerous military vehicles were damaged and weapons were looted during the assault.
He claimed that despite continuous counter-insurgency efforts under Operation Hadin Kai to dismantle extremist networks in the Northeast, the incident nevertheless occurred.
Monguno added that one soldier was killed on Wednesday morning when rebels attacked Doro, another hamlet in the Kukawa Local Government Area.
“I received reports of another attack even this morning as I came to present this motion,” he stated.
However, the congressman praised the bravery and selflessness of the police and troops maintaining Nigeria’s territorial integrity and shielding people from rebel assault.
We honor their courage, tenacity, and fervor. According to Monguno, their efforts have assisted in regaining areas that were previously firmly under the control of Boko Haram militants.
Sen. Shehu Lawal (APC Borno Central), who seconded the motion, stated that something had to be done immediately since the insurgency in Borno has resurfaced at an alarming rate.
“I also want to applaud the military for fulfilling its obligations. He stated, “They fought this insurgency steadfastly in order to let our people sleep with their eyes closed.”
Following that, the Senate observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the soldiers who, according to the Senate, made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the nation from insurgent attacks.
The troops of Operation Hadin Kai were also praised by the Senate for their tenacity and dedication to protecting communities throughout Nigeria’s unstable Northeast.
In order to support the ongoing efforts to put an end to the insurgency, the lawmakers also encouraged the Nigerian Armed Forces to step up intelligence collection, surveillance, and logistical support.
As the discussion came to an end, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Monguno for his assistance to the Nigerian army in the Northeast region.
President Bola Tinubu is trying his hardest to address the nation’s insecurity, according to Akpabio.
