By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The Senate on Wednesday decried the increasing attacks on Nigerian military formations and mourned soldiers killed in a recent assault in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
During plenary, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC–Borno North) moved a motion to honour the fallen troops and drew attention to what he described as the growing frequency of insurgent attacks on army positions in the North-East.
The Senate thereafter observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased soldiers.
Monguno told lawmakers that suspected insurgents launched a coordinated attack on troops stationed in Kukawa in the early hours of March 9, advancing from several directions and engaging soldiers in a fierce battle that reportedly lasted nearly 24 hours.
Despite the intensity of the attack, he said the troops resisted bravely but lost several personnel, including Lt. Col. Umar Farouq, whom he described as instrumental in restoring stability to Kukawa after insurgents previously ransacked the town.
According to the senator, the late officer also played a key role in facilitating the return of displaced residents to the area.
He expressed concern that the attack occurred despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at dismantling extremist networks in the North-East.
Monguno further disclosed that another community, Doro in Kukawa Local Government Area, was attacked by insurgents on Wednesday morning, leading to the death of one soldier.
Seconding the motion, Senator Shehu Lawal (APC–Borno Central) warned that the resurgence of insurgency in Borno had reached an alarming level and required urgent intervention.
The lawmakers urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and logistical support to strengthen ongoing operations against insurgents.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that President Bola Tinubu was working tirelessly to address the country’s security challenges.
