Senate Orders Military Audit After Deadly Boko Haram Attacks on Bases

The Nigerian Senate has ordered a full audit of military operations after Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks killed soldiers and civilians in Borno and Benue states.

During Wednesday’s plenary, lawmakers directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to review recent assaults on military formations in Monguno and Benisheikh, Borno State. The resolution targets gaps in equipment, troop readiness, and rules of engagement.

Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who sponsored the lead motion, said the coordinated strikes reveal evolving insurgent tactics meant to disrupt military operations and humanitarian access. “The incidents point to gaps that must be urgently addressed, particularly in operational preparedness and logistics,” he said.

Benue attacks threaten food supply

The Senate also tackled the worsening insecurity in Benue State, where repeated attacks on rural communities have displaced residents and disrupted farming. Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro called the attacks brutal and persistent, warning they threaten the country’s food supply.

“The frequency and brutality of these attacks clearly indicate a worsening security situation and raise serious concerns about the adequacy of current security measures,” Moro said.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to deploy additional military and police personnel to affected areas and directed its Committees on Defence, Army, Police, and National Security to investigate the attacks and propose solutions.

Call to suspend political activities

Senator Abdul Ningi called for a temporary suspension of political activities in states experiencing persistent violence, including Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, and Benue. He argued security should come before campaigns.

“We must, as a matter of urgency, consider suspending political activities in areas experiencing constant attacks until insecurity is contained,” Ningi said.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, acknowledged the scale of the challenge but noted that insecurity has taken on a regional dimension affecting several West African countries. He said President Tinubu’s administration is working to strengthen military capacity through increased funding and equipment.

The Senate also called for intensified efforts to rescue 416 women, elderly persons, and children reportedly held in captivity in Borno South since March 3, 2026.

Sources: allAfrica.com, Sahara Reporters, The Nation, Prime Times