SENATOR Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider temporarily employing “military contractors” to eliminate the remaining Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
Ndume lauded the commendable efforts of the military and Civilian JTF but noted that they lack the necessary resources to effectively eradicate the insurgents still operating in the area.
“Governments worldwide often hire military contractors for specific operations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could view this as a temporary solution. These contractors would collaborate with our military and Civilian JTF, who are familiar with the terrain,” he stated.
“These contractors will bring their own equipment and military hardware, and they could swiftly eliminate the Boko Haram terrorists. They could also assist in tackling the banditry issues in the North West.
“In the long run, the federal government could recruit young people to bolster the military to at least one million personnel. However, for now, I believe the President should consider the option of hiring military contractors,” Ndume added in a statement.
His remarks follow a recent attack by Boko Haram terrorists in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, where six farmers were killed, and five others, including women, were abducted.
The councilor for Ngoshe ward, Filibus Yakubu, confirmed the incident, stating that many residents remain missing.
He reported that the terrorists also killed the commander of the Civilian JTF in the area, Jubril Dada Zarana, and that the military was unable to repel the attackers despite their efforts.
This latest assault comes just weeks after a bombing incident resulted in numerous civilian casualties and injuries.
Yakubu explained that the terrorists ambushed the farmers while they were engaged in agricultural activities. “Security forces (Army and CJTF) did their best to protect the community, but they could not withstand the attackers for long,” he said.
The statement further noted, “The Boko Haram terrorists released three women from whom this information was gathered. The released women indicated that some victims are still being held hostage by the terrorists.
“It is Independence Day, a day meant for celebrating freedom, human rights, progress, and unity. Yet, for our people, it is a day filled with sorrow, despair, suffering, helplessness, and total dilemma.
“Our community is enduring severe hardships due to a lack of essential support, but they have chosen to remain in their homeland out of love for it. The State Government has made significant efforts for our people, but NGOs and other organizations are not providing adequate food supplies.
“The little farming they depend on for survival puts their lives at risk just to harvest what they have planted. The residents of Ngoshe and nearby villages (Gava, Agapalawa, Amuda, Chinene, Chikide, Dhugwade, Kwadale, Bokko, Barawa, Kughum, etc.) can only rely on divine intervention. Many people from these villages are currently seeking refuge in Ngoshe.”