The Senate has directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to conduct a comprehensive operational and logistical audit following recent attacks on military formations in Benisheikh and Monguno, Borno State.
The resolution, adopted during plenary on Tuesday, mandates a detailed review of the circumstances surrounding the assaults, including an assessment of equipment adequacy, operational readiness and compliance with rules of engagement.
Lawmakers also urged the Armed Forces to address any operational gaps uncovered during the audit and investigate allegations of civilian harm during military operations to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
The resolutions followed a motion moved by Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North), who raised alarm over renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents on military installations in the state.
Presenting the motion, Monguno described the attacks as a direct attempt by insurgents to undermine military operations and destabilise critical humanitarian and commercial corridors.
He expressed concern over the loss of senior military officers and soldiers in the assaults, including Brigadier General Oseni Braimoh, Colonel Mohammed Isya, Captain A.M. Esmat, Lieutenant Kelvin Festus and 13 other personnel.
“Monguno and Benisheikh remain strategic to the counter-insurgency campaign. Repeated attacks in these locations show a deliberate effort by insurgents to weaken security operations and disrupt movement along vital routes,” Monguno said.
The senator warned that the resurgence of violence threatens national security, food production and ongoing efforts to resettle internally displaced persons in Borno.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency, the Senate stressed the need for improved civilian protection during operations.
Lawmakers noted that safeguarding civilians remains a fundamental obligation under national and international humanitarian law and is crucial to maintaining public trust.
As part of its resolutions, the upper chamber condemned the continued attacks by Boko Haram and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen military personnel and affected civilians.
The Senate also urged the Armed Forces to strengthen compliance with rules of engagement and international humanitarian law through enhanced training focused on civilian protection.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi called for the suspension of political activities in Benue, Niger, Sokoto and other affected North-East states until the security situation improves.
“The security challenge has reached a level where politics should take a back seat until peace is restored,” Ningi said.
The Senate said the proposed audit is expected to strengthen military preparedness and improve the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
