Ahmed Jaha, a member of the House of Representatives, has stated that Boko Haram insurgents are using drones to carry out attacks on residents in Borno State.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok federal constituency in Borno made the remarks on Tuesday while contributing to a motion sponsored by Ahmad Satomi concerning the fire outbreak at the Giwa barracks armoury and the rising attacks on military installations in Borno and Yobe states.
Jaha stated that the weapons used by the terrorists are more advanced than those possessed by the Nigerian military.
“In one area of my constituency, Boko Haram members killed 10 peasant farmers who were gathering firewood; five others are still missing, and three are in critical condition in the hospital.
“In Chibok, 14 peasant farmers were also attacked in their community.
“I lost so many constituents because Boko Haram is using armed drones. Let it be on record.
“They are using armed drones which the Nigerian Army is not using. In other words, they are more sophisticated and advanced than the Nigerian Army,” he said.
The lawmaker warned that Boko Haram is rapidly regaining strength in Borno, posing a greater threat than in previous years.
“Boko Haram, ISWAP or whatever name you call it, they are coming back.
“Let us do something serious in order not to return to the days when 22 out of 27 local governments of Borno were occupied by Boko Haram,” he cautioned.
Jaha pointed out that the army lacked sufficient personnel and equipment to effectively combat the insurgents.
He emphasized that the government cannot afford to be complacent in the fight against terrorism, especially after allocating trillions of naira for defense.
“Between 2016 and 2019, the Nigerian government spent over N19 trillion on security. I have the record. So, we shouldn’t be complacent,” he said.
Lawmakers took turns to speak on the insurgent attacks in the country.
Yusuf Gagdi from Plateau revealed that insurgents have seized over 40 military tanks from the army during attacks on military installations.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu should hold the strategic commanders of the Nigerian military and other security agency heads accountable for failing to carry out their duties.
“How can we guarantee the safety of the Nigerian people in the circumstances that the platforms that were meant to protect the people have been taken away by the enemies of the people?” He asked.
“Nigerians are being killed daily. From the north to south to east. The government must do the needful. Everyday resolution that we pass is not enough.
“While we commend the security agencies for risking their lives to protect Nigerians, we must hold someone accountable it’s unacceptable that taxpayer money spent on weapons and military equipment could be compromised and end up in the hands of the country’s enemies,” he stated.
Gagdi warned that unless the parliament holds the government accountable on behalf of the people, lawmakers will eventually face a public backlash.
Zainab Gimba, who represents Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge in Borno, also recounted numerous insurgent attacks in her constituency.
