The Senate on Wednesday paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the Kukawa attack in Borno State, expressing deep concern over the deadly assault on a Nigerian Army formation.
During plenary in Abuja, Senate lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the fallen soldiers after a motion was moved by Mohammed Monguno (APC–Borno North).
While presenting the motion, Monguno explained that insurgents launched a coordinated attack in the early hours of March 9, targeting troops stationed in Kukawa Local Government Area.
He stated that the attackers advanced from multiple directions, leading to an intense battle that lasted nearly 24 hours, during which the troops fought back bravely.
The senator also lamented the death of Lt.-Col. Umar Farouq, describing him as a key figure in restoring stability in Kukawa after insurgents previously attacked and ransacked the town.
According to him, Farouq played a crucial role in facilitating the return of displaced residents to the community.
Monguno further revealed that several military vehicles were destroyed and weapons looted during the attack, describing the incident as part of renewed insurgent offensives in the region.
He noted that the assault occurred despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai, which is aimed at dismantling extremist groups in the North-East.
The lawmaker also disclosed that Doro community in Kukawa Local Government Area was attacked by insurgents on Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of one soldier.
“Even this morning, as I came to present this motion, I received reports of another attack,” he said.
The lawmaker, however, commended the courage and sacrifice of the officers and soldiers defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting communities from insurgent violence.
“We salute their bravery, determination and zeal. Their efforts have helped reclaim territories once firmly controlled by Boko Haram insurgents,” Monguno said.
Seconding the motion, Sen Shehu Lawal (APC Borno Central) said the renewed resurgence of insurgency in Borno had reached an alarming rate, adding that something needed to be done urgently.
“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, thereafter, observed a minute of silence in honour of the soldiers who, it said, paid the supreme sacrifice while defending the country from insurgent attacks.
The senate also commended the troops of Operation Hadin Kai for their resilience and commitment to safeguarding communities across Nigeria’s troubled North-East zone.
The Senate lawmakers also urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and logistics support to strengthen the ongoing efforts aimed at ending insurgency.
