Senate Orders Full Audit of Military Operations After Deadly Borno Base Attacks

The Nigerian Senate has directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside other service chiefs, to conduct a comprehensive operational and logistical audit following recent insurgent attacks on military formations in Benisheikh and Monguno areas of Borno State.

The resolution, adopted during Wednesday’s plenary, mandates a detailed review of the circumstances surrounding the assaults, including an evaluation of the adequacy of military equipment and strict adherence to rules of engagement. Lawmakers stressed the need for the Armed Forces to promptly address any gaps uncovered during the audit.

The Senate also called for an independent investigation into allegations of civilian casualties during military operations, underscoring the importance of accountability and the prevention of future incidents.

The directive followed a motion sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North), who raised alarm over the increasing frequency and intensity of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents on military positions in the North-East.

While presenting the motion, Monguno lamented the loss of several military personnel in the recent attacks, including senior officers such as Brigadier General Oseni Braimoh, Colonel Mohammed Isya, Captain A.M. Esmat, and Lieutenant Kelvin Festus, alongside 13 other soldiers.

He described Monguno as a strategic garrison town and Benisheikh as a critical corridor along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway, warning that persistent attacks in these locations signal a calculated attempt by insurgents to undermine military operations and disrupt key humanitarian and commercial routes.

Lawmakers paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Armed Forces in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign, noting that the renewed wave of violence poses a serious threat to national security, agricultural activities, and efforts to resettle internally displaced persons in Borno State.

The Senate emphasised that protecting civilian populations remains a core obligation under both national and international humanitarian law, and is essential for sustaining public confidence in military operations.

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

It further urged the military to reinforce compliance with established rules of engagement and international humanitarian standards, including intensified training focused on civilian protection.

In additional contributions, some lawmakers, including Senator Abdul Ningi, called for the suspension of political activities in parts of the North-East and other vulnerable regions until the security situation stabilises.