**Maiduguri Bombings: Senator Ndume Backs CDS on Local Collaborators in Terrorism** In a recent statement, Senator Ali Ndume has endorsed the claims made by Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, that many perpetrators of terrorism in the Northeast are from within affected communities in Borno and Yobe states. This assertion was made by Ndume during an appearance on *Politics Today*, a programme on *Channels Television*, on Thursday. According to Ndume, insurgent attacks often involve local collaborators, making it challenging for fighters to launch attacks without insider support. He noted that many of those involved in recent incidents in his area appear to be indigenes based on their accents and familiarity with the terrain. This observation suggests that insurgents are utilizing local knowledge to carry out their attacks, highlighting the need for improved local vigilance and resistance. The lawmaker's comments follow recent remarks by Oluyede, who stated that the majority of those involved in terrorism in the region are from Borno and Yobe states. Oluyede urged communities to take ownership of the problem in order to bring lasting peace. Ndume echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing the crisis. In a direct quote, Ndume stated: “Yes, that is true; you cannot have insurgents coming from outside to attack the town without insiders. So most of the insurgents in my local government are from my local government. Most of those that attacked, for example, recently, the recent one you can hear from the accent they are from Borno.” Ndume also highlighted the impact of community resistance on insurgent activity. He noted that if communities are adequately prepared and equipped, insurgents are less likely to target them. In his words: “If they know that a community, in every household, they are likely to have somebody with the gun, they will not come near that place.” Ndume's comments underscore the complexity of the terrorism crisis in the Northeast and the need for a multifaceted approach to address it. His endorsement of Oluyede's position emphasizes the importance of community involvement and local vigilance in preventing insurgent attacks.