The Senate has called for the establishment of a military base in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State in response to a fresh wave of Boko Haram violence sweeping through parts of the North-East.
The motion, which gained traction during Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja, was introduced by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa) and co-sponsored by all senators representing the North-East zone.
Titled “Resurgence of Boko Haram activities in Hong and Gombi Local Government Areas, Adamawa and other North-East states,” the proposal drew widespread support from the chamber.
According to Senator Abbas, multiple attacks in recent weeks have rendered hundreds of families in Hong homeless, with many losing their farms, shops, and other means of livelihood. He noted that the security situation has deteriorated not only in Adamawa but also in neighbouring states such as Borno and Yobe.
He pointed out that the economic impact of these attacks is severe, stating, “People in the affected areas no longer go to the farms or embark on trading activities.” Many residents, he added, now live in fear and uncertainty.
The Senate recommended that the Federal Government immediately set up a military base in Hong to reinforce the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies already operating in the region.
Lawmakers believe that a permanent base will serve as both a deterrent and a rapid response centre for emerging threats in the area.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was also instructed to send food, shelter, and medical supplies to displaced families affected by the insurgency.
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno backed the motion and praised the military’s past success in dislodging Boko Haram from several areas.
“I also commend the political will and support given to the Nigerian military by President Bola Tinubu in the discharge of their mandate,” he said.
Monguno recalled how Boko Haram once controlled a large portion of Borno and Yobe but were eventually pushed back. He expressed concern about the group’s re-emergence and warned that they have resumed attacks on military formations, seizing weapons and threatening national stability.
“But now there is a resurgence of Boko Haram again, which is sad, to the extent that they attack our military formations, dislodge them and cart away military equipment,” Monguno noted.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio closed the discussion by urging security agencies to remain alert.
“There is a need for continued vigilance because, like you said, any time the fight abates and they think that the military has relaxed, they will carry them unawares by a series of attacks,” he said.
