Senator Ali Ndume urges Tinubu to match security emergency declaration with decisive military operations and frontloaded defence funding.

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to match his declaration of a nationwide security emergency with decisive action to tackle insurgency and banditry across the country.

The president had in November last year declared a security emergency and ordered additional recruitment into the Armed Forces as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

Ndume’s call follows the recent killings of residents in Ngoshe community in Borno State and the reported abduction of more than 100 women and children by Boko Haram insurgents.

The coordinated attacks were reportedly carried out by Boko Haram fighters in collaboration with the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) last Wednesday in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

During the assault, the insurgents reportedly killed some soldiers, the Chief Imam of the town, and several community elders.

Reports indicate that the terrorists first attacked a military base belonging to the 82 Division Task Force Battalion before advancing into the community and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Ndume—who represents the affected area in the Senate—called on the president to mandate security forces to conduct sustained clearance operations in major insurgent strongholds.

He identified Lake Chad, Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains as critical areas where insurgents maintain operational bases and launch attacks.

According to him, government must demonstrate commitment to its security emergency declaration by intensifying coordinated operations against insurgent groups.

“Government should walk its talk on emergency by engaging in coordinated and sustainable attacks on the targets, especially in the North-East,” Ndume said.

“They should carry out consistent clearance operations in Lake Chad, Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains because the recent attacks were well coordinated by the insurgents.”

The senator also urged President Tinubu to regularly brief Nigerians on efforts being made to address insecurity, particularly in the three northern geopolitical zones.

He suggested the establishment of a situation room at the Presidential Villa to enable the president monitor operations and communicate updates to citizens.

“Since the President has declared a state of emergency, he should have a situation room in his office in the Villa. He should use that to brief Nigerians directly. They want to hear from him from time to time,” Ndume said.

He also recommended the establishment of Air Component Centres in the three northern geopolitical zones, equipped with attack helicopters to support military operations in high-risk areas.

Despite his concerns, the senator commended the military for eventually responding to the Ngoshe attack, though he noted that the intervention came late.

Ndume also reiterated his long-standing call for the frontloading of security budgets to enable faster procurement of arms and equipment.

According to him, the current budgetary allocation to the Nigerian Army remains inadequate in the face of the sophisticated weapons used by terrorist groups.

“The Nigerian Army budget is insignificant compared to what is in the national budget. The security agencies’ budgets should be frontloaded to fast-track procurement of arms and ammunition,” he said.

He added that if the country cannot immediately purchase attack helicopters, the government should consider leasing military aircraft to support operations in insurgency-prone areas. (AriseNews TV)

Rangers thrash Remo Stars 4–1 to boost continental hopes

_BY BENSON EZUGWU_

Enugu Rangers International FC on Sunday defeated visiting Remo Stars F.C. 4–1 in Week 29 of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

The Flying Antelopes dictated the tempo from kick-off, forcing the visitors deep into their half and thrilling home supporters with early attacking pressure.

Wing-back Kenneth Igboke opened scoring in the ninth minute, sending the home crowd into wild celebration.

Two minutes later, Chigozie Iwundu doubled the lead in the 11th minute, further electrifying the stadium.

Remo Stars responded late in the first half, as E. Kingue scored in added time to reduce the deficit before the interval.

After the restart, Remo searched for an equaliser, but Rangers struck again through Wisdom Ebirim in the 62nd minute to extend the lead to 3–1.

Igboke completed his brace in the 90th minute, sealing a commanding 4–1 victory and helping Rangers maintain second place with 50 points.

The win keeps Rangers firmly in contention for continental qualification next season.

Remo Stars coach, Usman Abdallah, said his side played well but were unfortunate to lose by such a margin.

“We will keep fighting till the end; there is still time for us to make it, and I remain positive,” he said.

Rangers’ stand-in coach, Ekene Kenedilichukwu, praised both teams and commended his players for their determination.

“Remo are NPFL champions and difficult opponents. I commend my boys for getting the job done. It is a sweet victory and I am happy,” he said. (NAN)