Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to avoid being distracted by politicians defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and prioritise the security and welfare of Nigerians.
Papers News reports that Ndume, during an interview on Channels Television, highlighted the ongoing challenges in the fight against insurgency, pointing out critical gaps in military preparedness.
He said, “I have told the President that he should not be carried away by this bunch of people who are decamping. The electorates are not decamping; they are staying.
“The government should focus on securing the country and improving citizens’ welfare, rather than worrying about political manoeuvring ahead of 2027.
“The insurgents engage in hit-and-run attacks. Our soldiers are exposed; they lack proper surveillance, night vision equipment, and armoured vehicles.
“Task force battalions are deployed without the required support, and the military does not have standby helicopters in strategic areas. These deficiencies compromise our ability to protect Nigerians.”
Ndume also supported the Chief of Defence Staff’s call for local communities to take ownership of security, saying, “Most insurgents in my local government come from the community itself. If communities are equipped and empowered to protect themselves, attacks will drastically reduce. This is not the government’s job alone.”
Speaking on Tinubu’s performance, Ndume acknowledged shortcomings while urging a focus on action rather than political blame.
He noted, “The problem is leadership and execution. Soldiers must be properly equipped, and promises must be translated into real protection. Bullets do not know political parties, they take lives indiscriminately.”
