The Nigerian Senate has urged the federal government to consider establishing a military base in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, as part of efforts to address the renewed wave of Boko Haram insurgency plaguing the north-east region.
This resolution was passed during the Senate’s plenary session on Wednesday, following a motion presented by Senator Aminu Abbas, who represents Adamawa Central. The motion received unanimous support from all lawmakers representing the north-east geopolitical zone.
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While expressing appreciation for the efforts of security agencies in combating terrorism, Abbas stressed that a permanent military presence in Hong would enhance rapid response capabilities and strengthen overall security in the insurgency-ravaged region.
He raised concerns about the escalating violence in Hong LGA, highlighting that repeated attacks had forced many residents from their homes and destroyed essential infrastructure.
According to Abbas, the ongoing insurgency has severely impacted Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, leading to the disruption of livelihoods and economic stagnation.
“The unfortunate activities of the group have adversely affected economic activities in the area, the zone and the country at large,” he said.
“People in the affected areas no longer go to the farms or embark on trading activities.”
During deliberations, Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, cautioned the Senate against taking steps that might infringe on the constitutional authority of the President.
“In my view, it is overstepping. In fact we are encroaching on the powers vested on the president of the federal republic who is the commander-in-chief,” he said.
“It is an infraction on the president’s power of command and control as commander-in-chief, we cannot do so.”
He advised that the resolution be reframed to urge the federal government to act as it deems fit, rather than issuing a directive on military deployment.
However, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni of Lagos Central disagreed, referencing the Constitution to affirm the National Assembly’s right to make such recommendations.
“The national assembly is empowered to so do, so we have not crossed the line,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of sustained vigilance among security forces operating in the region.
“There is need for continued vigilance because, like you said, any time the fight abates and they think that the military has relaxed, they will carry them unawares by series of attacks,” he said.
“Our borders are very porous. So anytime they escape from Nigeria because some of them are not from Nigeria, they still find their ways into our communities and attack our people.”
In addition to its call for enhanced military presence, the Senate also instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to distribute relief materials to those affected by the violence in Hong and other communities.
It will be recalled that on May 13, the Senate made a separate appeal to the armed forces, urging the redeployment of troops and advanced equipment to Borno and Yobe States in light of intensifying Boko Haram attacks.
