Senator Ali Ndume has backed claims by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, that many perpetrators of terrorism in the Northeast are from within affected communities in Borno and Yobe states.
Ndume spoke on Thursday while appearing on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, where he said insurgent attacks often involve local collaborators.
According to him, it is difficult for fighters to launch attacks without insider support, adding that many of those involved in recent incidents in his area appear to be indigenes based on their accents and familiarity with the terrain.
The lawmaker said he agrees with the military chief’s position that residents must take responsibility for addressing the crisis.
He argued that insurgents often take advantage of unprotected communities, noting that improved local vigilance and resistance could help deter attacks.
DAILY POST reports that Ndume’s comments follow recent remarks by Oluyede, who said the majority of those involved in terrorism in the region are from Borno and Yobe states and urged communities to take ownership of the problem in order to bring lasting peace.
Ndume said: “Yes, that is true; you cannot have insurgents coming from outside to attack the town without insiders. So most of the insurgents in my local government are from my local government. Most of those that attacked, for example, recently, the recent one you can hear from the accent they are from Borno.
“I totally agree with what CDs said. We have to take ownership. And let me tell you all these ragtag people. What is the difference? They look wretched, they are not even strong enough, and they don’t look right. The only thing they have is that AK-47. If they know that a community, in every household, they are likely to have somebody with the gun, they will not come near that place.”
