Northern senators demand military offensive in Adamawa

Abimbola Joseph

The Northern Senators Forum has called for an immediate military offensive to dislodge insurgents from the Kopre-Sambisa corridor in Adamawa State following attacks on two military formations in the area.

The forum also urged the Federal Government and Defence Headquarters to reinforce troops in the affected communities to prevent further attacks and displacement.

Its chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), made the demands in a statement on Sunday.

The call followed coordinated attacks on the 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha between September 30 and October 1.

The Nigerian Army said troops repelled the attacks, while three soldiers were killed and others wounded during the engagements. The military also reported that 16 terrorists were neutralised in related operations in the area.

Yar’Adua said the attacks had affected communities across Hong and Gombi Local Government Areas, describing them as a serious security concern for Adamawa and the wider country.

He commiserated with the families of soldiers, civilians and other victims of the attacks.

The affected communities listed by the forum include Garaha, Dabna, Bangna, Mubang, Zah, Bitirhuya, Kwapre, Mayo Ladde, Gaya-Dlang, Garkida, Boima and Guyaku.

The senators also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and the North-East Development Commission to provide relief materials to residents displaced by the violence.

Yar’Adua said the attacks had reportedly involved killings, abductions of women and children, destruction of property and places of worship, as well as the displacement of families from their ancestral communities.

He urged the Federal Government and Defence Headquarters to strengthen security operations in the Kopre-Sambisa corridor and adopt a coordinated strategy to disrupt insurgent activities.

“The Northern Senators Forum stands in solidarity with the people of Adamawa State,” he said, adding that the forum would continue to support efforts to protect affected communities.

The latest demand comes amid continuing military operations in Adamawa. Operation Hadin Kai has reported ground and air operations in Sector 4, including an ambush in the Boima area and a precision air strike against suspected terrorists.