Senate orders Defence Chiefs to probe Borno attacks

The Senate on Wednesday directed Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, alongside other service chiefs, to undertake a sweeping operational and logistical audit of the Armed Forces following recent attacks on military bases in Benisheikh and Monguno, Borno State.

The resolution, adopted during plenary, called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assaults, with particular focus on the adequacy of military equipment and compliance with established rules of engagement.

Lawmakers further urged the Armed Forces to identify and address any operational lapses uncovered in the course of the review.

The Senate also mandated a probe into allegations of civilian casualties during military operations, stressing the need for accountability and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The resolutions were followed by a motion sponsored by Tahir Monguno (Borno North), who raised alarm over escalating attacks on military formations by Boko Haram insurgents.

Leading debate on the motion, Monguno lamented the recent wave of violence which claimed the lives of several officers and soldiers, including Brigadier General Oseni Braimoh, Colonel Mohammed Isya, Captain A.M. Esmat, Lieutenant Kelvin Festus, and 13 other personnel.

He described the repeated targeting of Monguno, a strategic garrison town and Benisheikh, a critical corridor along the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway, as a calculated attempt by insurgents to undermine military operations and disrupt key humanitarian and commercial routes.

Lawmakers, while acknowledging the sacrifices of troops in the counter-insurgency campaign, warned that the renewed attacks on both military installations and civilian communities pose a serious threat to national security, agricultural stability, and ongoing resettlement efforts for internally displaced persons in Borno State.

The Senate emphasised that the protection of civilians remains a core obligation under both national and international humanitarian law, noting that adherence is essential to sustaining public confidence in military operations.

As part of its resolutions, the chamber condemned the persistent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers and affected civilians.

It also called on the Armed Forces to reinforce compliance with rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, including intensified training on civilian protection.

Meanwhile, a proposal by Senator Abdul Ningi urging the suspension of political activities in Benue, Niger, Sokoto and other affected states until security improves was put to a vote but ultimately rejected by the chamber.