KEY POINTS

• The Senate ordered a full military audit following deadly attacks on bases in Benisheikh and Monguno.
• Lawmakers raised concerns over renewed Boko Haram assaults and loss of military personnel.
• The chamber called for civilian protection, accountability, and stronger adherence to rules of engagement.

The Senate of Nigeria has directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, along with other service chiefs, to conduct a thorough operational and logistical audit following recent attacks on military formations in Benisheikh and Monguno.

The review is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the attacks, evaluate the adequacy of military equipment, and ensure strict adherence to rules of engagement. Lawmakers also urged the Armed Forces to address any weaknesses uncovered during the process.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Tahir Monguno, who raised alarm over renewed assaults by Boko Haram on military bases.

He highlighted that the attacks led to the deaths of several personnel, including senior officers, and warned that repeated strikes on strategic locations like Monguno—a key garrison town—and Benisheikh along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway point to a coordinated attempt to weaken military operations and disrupt critical supply and humanitarian routes.

Call for Accountability and Civilian Protection

The Senate also called for an investigation into allegations of civilian casualties during military operations, stressing the need for accountability and preventive measures.

Lawmakers emphasised that protecting civilians remains a core obligation under national and international humanitarian law, noting that failure to do so could erode public trust.

The chamber warned that the resurgence of attacks on both military facilities and civilian communities poses a serious threat to national security, food systems, and ongoing resettlement efforts for displaced persons in Borno State.

In response, the Senate condemned the continued violence, observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers and affected civilians, and urged the military to strengthen compliance with operational rules and humanitarian standards through improved training.