US should establish military base in Borno to crush Boko Haram: Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume is urging the United States to establish a military base in Nigeria's Borno State, specifically in the Mandara Mountains. He believes this presence is crucial to effectively eliminate the persistent threat of Boko Haram insurgents operating in the North-East.

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I’m hoping that they (Donald Trump and his men) could even go far beyond, as I said earlier, when the issue of Americans coming in (was reported) since last year. So I wish they could even establish their base under the Mandara Mountains and drive away all those Boko Haram elements from there.

Ndume, representing Borno South, stated on Channels Television that American forces possess the technology and capability to monitor and disrupt insurgent strongholds. He specifically suggested a base in the Mandara Mountains could serve as a strategic observation point, extending surveillance to the Sambisa Forest and cutting off vital supply routes for terrorists.

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And then from the Mandara Mountains, it can serve as a point to even observe up to Sambisa. They have the technology to monitor those (insurgents). So I am in full support.

"I am appealing. Let the Americans go to Gwoza and take over the Mandara Mountains, please," Ndume pleaded. He explained that by disrupting the insurgents' movement cycle through this strategic location, their ability to receive support and supplies would be significantly curtailed. He emphasized the need for adequate resources and personnel on the ground, suggesting the Nigerian army also requires support.

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In fact, I am appealing. Let the Americans go to Gwoza and take over the Mandara Mountains, please. It will go a long way to cut down on (insecurity) because they have a ring road in Borno State.

His remarks come as Nigeria and the U.S. continue their security cooperation. Recently, joint counter-terrorism operations reportedly resulted in the elimination of 175 ISIS terrorists in North-East Nigeria, according to the Defence Headquarters. Ndume's call highlights a desire for intensified international military intervention to quell the long-standing insurgency.

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So if that cycle can be cut off, we’ll have a reduction (of insurgency). In fact, there will be nowhere for them to go to get support or supplies. But you can’t do that, as I said, without a team and enough boots on the ground. The Nigerian army needs the resources.