Amid an alarming resurgence of insurgency across Nigeria’s Northeast, the National Assembly and top-ranking retired military officers have issued fresh calls for urgent military re-armament and systemic reforms to address growing insecurity. This follows a series of deadly attacks on military formations, raising serious questions about the capacity and preparedness of Nigeria’s armed forces.
At a heated plenary session on Tuesday, lawmakers in the House of Representatives expressed concern over the increasing attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants, who now reportedly wield more sophisticated weaponry than the Nigerian military. The recent attack on Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, where a fire—attributed to “friendly fire”—destroyed an ammunition depot, has amplified concerns about operational vulnerabilities.
Military Ill-Equipped Amid Rising Budgetary Allocation
Despite increasing budgetary allocations for defence—N2.98 trillion in 2023, N3.25 trillion in 2024, and a record N4.91 trillion proposed for 2025—the Nigerian Armed Forces appear ill-equipped to counter modern insurgent warfare. Lawmakers pointed out that while funding has risen, transparency and tangible improvements in military hardware remain elusive.
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) emphasized that Nigeria’s adversaries have evolved beyond traditional warfare. “Insurgents now use encrypted communications, drones, GPS-guided explosives, and night-vision tools. Our troops cannot match these technologies with outdated rifles and insufficient intel,” Aro warned. He urged President Tinubu’s administration to commit to not just funding the military but investing in advanced combat technology, surveillance tools, and real-time intelligence systems.
Military Chiefs Demand Strategic Shift
Echoing similar sentiments, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) stressed the need for enhanced intelligence-gathering capabilities. “We must adopt surveillance drones and electronic monitoring systems to predict and counter insurgent activities,” he said, while also highlighting Nigeria’s porous borders as a critical security lapse exploited by terrorist factions.
Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.) criticized the lack of financial oversight within the military. “Democracy requires accountability. We elect presidents and lawmakers, not service chiefs. These elected officials must track how defence funds are spent,” Shehu asserted. He likened the situation to giving a household budget without supervision—funds exist, but without checks, outcomes falter.
Legislative Anger and Public Frustration Mount
Several lawmakers voiced growing frustration over the government’s perceived inaction. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) warned that Nigerians might soon revolt against public officials, much like they resist insurgents. “If urgent action isn’t taken, people will take their destinies into their hands,” he declared.
Ahmed Jaha, representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok, painted a dire picture from the frontlines: “Boko Haram militants now ride new motorcycles, wield new AK-47s, and use weaponized drones—superior to what our army has.” His counterpart, Zainab Gimba, disclosed that in one joint task force base, only six out of 100 soldiers were Nigerian—a sign of declining domestic military presence in key conflict zones.
Otukpo and Beyond: Nationwide Security Concerns
Beyond the North-East, lawmakers also raised alarms over persistent attacks in Otukpo, Benue State, where armed herders have killed several civilians. Hon. Blessing Onuh decried the loss of livelihoods and rising food insecurity due to farmers abandoning farmlands out of fear. The House resolved to send relief to victims and tasked security chiefs with restoring order.
Senate Plans Security Summit as Pressure Builds
In response, the Senate announced plans for a national security summit to identify long-term, empirical solutions. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim linked global instability—like the Russia-Ukraine war and economic tensions between global powers—to Nigeria’s internal struggles, stressing the need for a “new language in military engagement.” He called for a security strategy that includes economic resilience, innovation, and international alignment.
As Nigeria stands at a critical security crossroads, the urgency for strategic re-armament, technological advancement, and political accountability has never been greater. The recent calls from both the legislature and military veterans may yet serve as a turning point—if the political will aligns with the needs of those risking their lives at the frontlines.