Ali Ndume
Ali Ndume, former senate leader and senator representing Borno south, says measures taken by President Bola Tinubu to tackle insecurity are yielding the desired results.
The lawmaker commended Tinubu for responding to recent threats by declaring a state of emergency on security and directing the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits.
Ndume said the president also commended the president for approving adequate funding for security operations and indicated plans to recruit additional personnel for the police and the army.
“The directive to engage Forest Guards, coupled with their training has gone a long way to complement efforts of the Nigerian Army and they are happy with that too,” Ndume said, in a statement on Tuesday.
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The former chairman of the senate committee on army commended the federal government for improving the welfare of security personnel, especially soldiers.
Ndume said their salaries had been doubled but added that “it is still not enough, compared to other armed forces in the sub-region”.
“I can see visible improvements in terms of cooperation between the Armed forces and other security agencies. That is very commendable,” he said.
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“There is visible improvement in the kitting of the military in terms of New Arms, Uniform, Protection Helmets, Boots and Bulletproof Vests.
“But still, the government must do more by giving priority to arms and ammunition needed at theatre of operations.
“They need to procure more attack helicopters, add more Armoured Personnel Carriers and Gun trucks.”
The lawmaker commended Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, for the “strong” commitment to fighting insurgency.
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“He (Zulum) has invested over N100 billion, supporting the Nigerian Army, the Civilian JTF, Police and other Security Agencies,” Ndume said.
“That has complemented the efforts of the Nigerian Army. That’s very commendable. I urge other governors in the North to emulate him.”
