The targeted areas include the Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, the Timbuktu Triangle, and communities near the shores of Lake Chad.

Story continues below advertisement

Ndume emphasized that sustained military action in these regions is essential to finally curb the insurgency that has plagued Borno State and the wider North-East for more than 16 years.

The senator recalled that he had long advocated for the military to take the fight directly to insurgents, rather than simply responding to attacks. He said the current wave of coordinated offensives reflects that approach and is already showing results.

Story continues below advertisement

“Years ago, I consistently called on the military to take the war to the doorsteps of insurgents and remain proactive rather than reactive. I am pleased to see that strategy now being implemented,” Ndume said.

He commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, other service chiefs, and the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai for their renewed commitment and strategic clarity in prosecuting the war.

Story continues below advertisement

Ndume highlighted that the military leadership is responding to Nigerians’ urgent demand to end the Boko Haram crisis. He also noted the significant progress made during January’s massive clearance operations by troops under Operation Hadin Kai, which resulted in the neutralization of dozens of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, including some commanders, and the recovery of large arms and ammunition caches.

In a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Maiduguri on Sunday, Ndume praised the sacrifices of the armed forces and allied groups.

“I commend the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters, and other security agencies for their dedication and sacrifice in ending over 16 years of killings and destruction in Borno State and the North-East,” he said.

Story continues below advertisement

The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army also acknowledged the contributions of Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and governors of Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states, noting that their support has helped create relative peace in parts of the region.

He added that the cooperation between the military, government, and resilient civilians has facilitated the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and resettlement of millions of displaced persons into liberated communities.

Ndume encouraged residents of the North-East to continue providing timely and accurate information to security agencies regarding terrorist movements or hideouts, stressing that tackling insecurity is not the sole responsibility of government or security forces.

“Fighting terrorism, banditry, or kidnapping should not rest entirely on the government or security agencies,” he said.

The senator prayed for eternal rest for soldiers and security operatives who lost their lives in the renewed operations and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, commending their unwavering commitment to national defense.

“I call on the military authorities to sustain operations in the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains bordering Cameroon, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the shores of Lake Chad to decisively stem the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists,” Ndume concluded.