ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has backed the Federal Government’s directive authorising troops to engage terrorists and bandits without hesitation, insisting that sustained military offensives remain the most effective strategy for ending insecurity across the country.
Speaking with State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, the Borno South senator also rejected calls for the reintegration of repentant terrorists, arguing that those who embrace violence should face the full weight of the law.
Ndume maintained that individuals who provide support, intelligence or logistics to criminal groups should equally be treated as accomplices and prosecuted accordingly.
Throwing his weight behind Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), the senator said the military must sustain its aggressive operations against insurgents rather than resort to negotiations or concessions that could embolden criminal groups.
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According to him, recent gains recorded by security forces across several regions of the country show that terrorists are gradually losing their operational capacity under relentless military pressure.
“If the momentum is maintained, this insecurity will eventually come to an end,” he said.
Ndume cited the elimination of high-profile terrorist commanders, the surrender of several insurgents and the restoration of relative peace in parts of the North-East and South-East as evidence that ongoing military operations are producing positive results.
He argued that armed criminals should not be shown leniency on the battlefield.
“Once you identify a terrorist or bandit, you must act because failure to do so could cost innocent lives,” he said.
The senator’s remarks followed the Defence Minister’s recent directive to frontline troops to immediately engage terrorists and bandits whenever they are encountered, without waiting for further authorisation.
On his meeting with President Tinubu, Ndume disclosed that discussions focused largely on Nigeria’s security situation and economic challenges, describing both as the country’s most pressing concerns.
He said the President demonstrated commitment to tackling insecurity by holding consultations with the nation’s service chiefs before receiving him at the Presidential Villa.
Ndume also noted that military operations against armed groups have intensified in the North-West, while campaigns against insurgents in the North-East have continued to weaken terrorist networks through the elimination of key commanders and the surrender of fighters.
He added that the security situation in the South-East has also improved considerably, commending the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts in restoring stability to the region.
The senator further welcomed the decision by the 19 Northern governors to establish a regional security trust fund, describing the initiative as a practical step towards strengthening collaboration between federal and state authorities in combating insecurity.
According to him, security should not be left solely to the Federal Government, stressing that greater cooperation and resource mobilisation by state governments would enhance the country’s overall security architecture.
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Beyond security, Ndume urged the Tinubu administration to intensify efforts at easing the economic hardship facing Nigerians through better coordination of government interventions aimed at reducing the cost of living.
He also advised the President to communicate more directly with citizens through regular national broadcasts, saying such engagements would strengthen public confidence and provide Nigerians with clearer understanding of government policies and actions.
Ndume disclosed that President Tinubu welcomed his suggestions and expressed willingness to sustain regular consultations on national issues, noting that addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges requires the collective contributions of leaders and stakeholders across the country.