Senate asks military to redeploy troops, advanced weapons to north-east after killing of soldiers

The senate has urged the military to redeploy troops and modern equipment to Borno and Yobe in response to renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

The resolution was passed on Tuesday after a motion was moved by Mohammed Tahir Monguno, chief whip of the senate.

Monguno said Boko Haram fighters ambushed and killed more than a dozen soldiers in Marte town, located in Monguno LGA.

He said another attack followed on Tuesday morning in Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai LGA.

“The senate notes that a few years ago, two-thirds of the local government areas in Borno were under the control of Boko Haram,” he said.

“But with the concerted efforts of the military and civilian joint task force, the areas were reclaimed, restoring freedom and liberty for the residents.

“Also note that after relative peace was restored in Borno and Yobe states, the military relocated their tactical command of operations to the northwest to address issues of kidnapping and banditry in the region.

“Further notes that on the 12th of May, 2025, that is on Monday, yesterday, the insurgents attacked and killed more than 12 soldiers in Marte town of Marte local government.”

He added that the insurgents now use advanced technology including drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have caused growing casualties among troops and civilians and disrupted regional mobility.

Abbas Aminu, senator representing Adamawa central, seconded the motion and said the state should also benefit from the intervention.

“The resurgence of Boko Haram is felt more in Adamawa recently. On a daily basis, we lose between six to ten people everyday,” he said.

Following the debate, the senate called on the military high command to redeploy enough troops to the north-east and equip them with modern technology to match the evolving threat.

The upper legislative chamber also directed its committees on army and air force to monitor the implementation of the resolutions.

On May 6, Ahmed Jaha, a member of the house of representatives, said Boko Haram insurgents are using drones in attacking residents in Borno state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok federal constituency in Borno, said the weapons used by the terrorists are more sophisticated than that of the Nigerian military.