Borno State Senator Ali Ndume has called for more US military airstrikes against insurgents operating in parts of North-East Nigeria.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the remarks on Friday while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.
According to him, the call was being driven by the prolonged activities of Boko Haram insurgents in communities within his constituency, particularly around the Mandara Mountains.
According to the lawmaker, insurgents have maintained a presence in the mountainous areas for over a decade, forcing residents to flee their homes and farmlands.
He said sustained and consistent military offensives are necessary to eliminate the group and enable displaced persons to return home.
The lawmaker said residents of Gwoza and surrounding communities would be receptive to such support, stressing that security concerns have prevented him from visiting his village for years, even under escorts.
Ndume maintained that his position reflects the desperation of communities that have endured prolonged insecurity and are seeking decisive action to end insurgency in the region.
Ndume said: “I called for it. In fact, I was thinking that they will start from my local government. Yes, because the Boko Haram, the issue of you know, has dominated for the past 15 years.
“They have dominated the Mandara Mountain up till now. And we had wanted, and have been calling that there must be consistent and sustained attack until they are all eliminated.
“That’s when our people that are still in the IDP camps, you know, under the mountain, can go back, because there are people who still live in the mountains and farm in the mountains, but they have to run away. Boko Haram chased them. There are some of them that are still captives.
“In fact, we want the… I’m speaking for my people, especially my own local government. If the 200 Americans that Nigerians are talking about now don’t have…they are not comfortable, please let them go to my local government and stay and operate from there, our people will be happy.
“I can move out of my house in Gwoza for them to stay as long as we will have peace.
“You know what, for the past 16 years I cannot go to my village, especially this time around, no matter what, even under escort, you don’t risk going from now.”
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