Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has appealed to the Nigerian military to deploy troops to Kirawa and nearby border communities following a deadly Boko Haram ambush.
The attack, which happened on Friday afternoon along the Kirawa-Pulka road, left one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force dead while several others sustained injuries.
The ambush occurred around 3 pm when armed fighters intercepted motorists and passengers. Many of the victims fled into the bush for safety, but six vehicles loaded with luggage and food supplies were set ablaze by the attackers. Witnesses said the convoy had been escorted only by a few local vigilantes and Civilian Joint Task Force members, as no military personnel were present.
The absence of troops in Kirawa has been a growing concern since Cameroonian soldiers who previously manned a base in the area were dislodged by insurgents last month. According to Ndume, the security vacuum has left the communities vulnerable, forcing hunters, vigilantes, and local defense groups to shoulder the burden of protection despite being easily overwhelmed.
While acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices of Nigerian troops in the wider fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, Ndume warned that residents of Kirawa and surrounding border towns now live in constant fear. He noted that the latest ambush had deepened insecurity and put lives and property at greater risk.
The senator expressed sympathy to the family of the slain Civilian Joint Task Force member and wished the injured victims a quick recovery. He urged the military to urgently deploy troops—even if it is just a platoon—to restore security and assure residents of Kirawa and Gwoza that they are not abandoned.