Senate Mourns Soldiers Killed in Deadly Borno Attack, Calls for Stronger Military Intelligence

Nigeria’s Senate has paid tribute to soldiers killed during a deadly insurgent assault on a military formation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, describing the incident as a painful loss for the nation.

Lawmakers observed a minute of silence during Wednesday’s plenary in honour of the troops who died while defending the country against insurgent violence.

The motion was moved by Mohammed Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District. He told the chamber that insurgents launched a coordinated attack on troops stationed in Kukawa in the early hours of March 9.

According to him, the attackers advanced from multiple directions and engaged Nigerian soldiers in an intense battle that lasted for nearly 24 hours. Despite the fierce confrontation, Monguno said the troops fought bravely to repel the assault.

The senator expressed particular grief over the death of Umar Farouq, describing him as instrumental in restoring stability in Kukawa after insurgents previously devastated the town.

“Lt.-Col. Farouk played a pivotal role in facilitating the return of displaced residents,” Monguno said.

He also disclosed that several military vehicles were destroyed during the attack and weapons were looted by the insurgents, noting that the incident formed part of renewed militant offensives in the region.

The assault occurred despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai, which targets extremist groups operating across Nigeria’s North-East.

Monguno further revealed that another attack took place in the community of Doro, also in Kukawa Local Government Area, on Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of a soldier.

“Even this morning, as I came to present this motion, I received reports of another attack,” he told the Senate.

Lawmakers, however, commended the resilience and sacrifice of Nigerian troops who continue to confront insurgent groups, including Boko Haram, across the region.

Seconding the motion, Shehu Lawal, representing Borno Central, warned that the resurgence of insurgent attacks in Borno had reached a worrying level and required urgent action.

“I also want to commend the military for not abdicating their responsibility. They stood firm to fight this insurgency with a view to allowing our people to sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.

The Senate urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and logistical support to strengthen ongoing operations aimed at ending insurgency in the North-East.

Lawmakers also praised troops involved in Operation Hadin Kai for their continued efforts to reclaim territories previously held by insurgents and protect vulnerable communities.