Senator Ali Ndume has called for the establishment of a United States military base in Borno State, arguing that it would help tackle Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East region.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District in the Senate, made the appeal during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Sunday.
The lawmaker advocated a stronger US military presence in the region, suggesting that American forces establish a base in the Mandara Mountains, which he described as a strategic location for monitoring and disrupting insurgent activities.
According to him, the area could serve as a key operational point for tracking movements across the Mandara Mountains, Sambisa Forest and other areas where insurgents are known to operate.
“I am appealing. Let the Americans go to Gwoza and take over the Mandara Mountains. It will go a long way in reducing insecurity because they have the technology to monitor those areas,” Ndume said.
He stated that the geographical position of the Mandara Mountains would make it easier to monitor routes connecting Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad, Kaga, Buni Yadi and other locations frequently linked to insurgent movements.
Ndume argued that restricting access through these routes would weaken terrorist groups by disrupting their supply lines and support networks.
The senator, however, noted that military operations would also require adequate funding, equipment and personnel to achieve lasting results.
“The Nigerian Army needs the resources. You cannot effectively secure those areas without enough boots on the ground,” he said.
His remarks come amid ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States on counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
