Borno Senator Demands Action: Ndume Pushes Military to Bring Our Children Home, Army Answers With 1,000 New Recruits

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume is not backing down. The Borno South lawmaker has stormed the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri with one clear message: bring our people home. And in a bold show of force, the Nigerian Army has responded with a game-changing promise to recruit nearly 1,000 youths from Southern Borno into the military.

This is the kind of energy we love to see. A leader standing in the gap for his people, refusing to let the world forget the families still waiting. Ndume's visit to Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar wasn't just a courtesy call. It was a mission.

How long must families wait for their loved ones?

Ndume made it crystal clear that the pain is real and the clock is ticking. He called on the military to intensify efforts to rescue victims abducted across Southern Borno, including the schoolchildren from Mussa and Lassa, passengers taken along the Buratai axis, and the remaining victims from Ngoshe.

Some of these victims have now spent more than 100 days in captivity. One hundred days. That's over three months of agony for families who wake up every morning wondering if today will be the day their loved ones walk through the door.

“Most importantly, General, I know you are putting in your best efforts towards the rescue of our children in Mussa and Lassa, the passengers abducted along the Buratai axis and the remaining victims from Ngoshe. We know you are making efforts, but because of the anxiety we all share and the length of time these people have remained away from their families, I have to continue to push for greater effort,” Ndume said.

The Senator, who also sits on the Senate Committee on Army, made it clear this wasn't a criticism of the military's sacrifices. It's about responsibility. It's about speaking for the voiceless.

“Like Oliver Twist, I have come to ask for more for my people. It is my moral obligation to commend you when you do well and also bring the concerns of my constituents before you,” he said.

Army answers the call with 1,000 new recruits from Southern Borno

While Ndume was pushing for action, the Theatre Commander dropped a bombshell. The Nigerian Army is set to recruit about 1,000 youths from Southern Borno, mostly from Gwoza Local Government Area, into the military. This is not just about filling numbers. This is about building trust and putting local sons and daughters on the frontlines of their own security.

Major General Abubakar revealed that over 1,000 indigenous youths are already undergoing military-related training through an initiative supported by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, in collaboration with the Borno State Government.

And the next phase? Southern Borno, especially Gwoza.

“The second focus will be Southern Borno, especially Gwoza LGA. We intend to take almost 1,000 youths from the zone into the military after we conclude the current exercise. That is equivalent to bringing almost three battalions from the area into the system,” he said.

This is what community-driven security looks like. When local youths are trained, equipped, and deployed to protect their own communities, the impact is powerful. It builds trust, creates jobs, and puts the power back where it belongs: in the hands of the people.

New battalions and boots on the ground: The military's new strategy

The military isn't playing games. Major General Abubakar disclosed that battalions in Mandaragrau and Kirawa are now fully operational, with troops physically deployed on the ground. This is a major shift from the past, when much of the military activity around these areas was conducted from across the Cameroon side.

“Previously, much of the military activity around some of these areas was conducted from across the Cameroon side, but today, we have soldiers physically deployed on the ground, and this has encouraged the return of socio-economic activities,” he said.

A new Sector IV has also been created to cover Southern Borno and Northern Adamawa, closing the security gap between the two regions. Two additional battalions, 226 and 247, have been approved by the Chief of Army Staff to strengthen operations.

“The two battalions are now fully functional, and going forward, you will see serious improvement in the security situation, particularly around the Chibok and Askira-Uba axis,” he assured.

What does this mean for the future of Borno South?

This is bigger than just a security update. This is a statement. The military is doubling down on its commitment to protect every inch of Borno South, and the recruitment of local youths is a game-changer for the region's future.

Ndume also took a moment to praise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces, particularly for approving improvements in military personnel salaries. Because let's be real: a well-motivated soldier is a effective soldier.

The Senator's message was simple but powerful: keep pushing until every single abductee is reunited with their family.

“The people are anxious, and the families are waiting. We appreciate what the military is doing, but we will continue to appeal for greater efforts until our people are reunited with their families,” the Senator said.

The Theatre Commander's response? A firm assurance that Borno South will be safe and adequately covered.

“Be rest assured that your senatorial district will be safe and adequately covered,” the Theatre Commander said.

With over 20 additional operational platforms expected before the end of the year, the military is clearly gearing up for serious action. The message from Maiduguri is loud and clear: we are not resting until every family is whole again.

This is the Africa we want to see. Leaders who fight for their people. A military that listens and acts. And communities that stand together, unshaken and unbroken.

Frequently asked questions about the Borno security situation

Who is Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume?

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume is the representative of Borno South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. He is a member of the Senate Committee on Army and has been a vocal advocate for the rescue of abducted victims in his constituency.

How many youths will be recruited into the Nigerian Army from Southern Borno?

The Nigerian Army plans to recruit about 1,000 youths from Southern Borno, mostly from Gwoza Local Government Area, as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve military presence in the region.

What new military formations have been established in Southern Borno?

The military has established battalions in Mandaragrau and Kirawa, created a new Sector IV covering Southern Borno and Northern Adamawa, and approved two additional battalions (226 and 247) to strengthen operations in the area.