Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has disclosed that between November 2024 and April 2025, Boko Haram carried out 252 attacks in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of 100 soldiers and 280 civilians.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Ndume highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the state, stating that three local government areas—Gudumbari, Marte, and Abadam—are still under the control of Boko Haram. He noted that due to insecurity, movement after 6 p.m. is restricted in most parts of Borno, with roads manually scanned by the military before travel can resume each morning.
He expressed concern that the Nigerian military is under-equipped and overstretched, urging urgent investment in Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, each costing approximately ₦1 billion. “The military needs thousands of these vehicles,” Ndume said. “Their operations are expensive, and we must prioritize security, welfare, and the economy—these should be the focus of any borrowing, not trivial matters.”
The senator criticized Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, accusing him of downplaying the crisis and misrepresenting the facts. “The Minister of Misinformation, as I call him, dismissed Governor Zulum’s and my concerns about the resurgence of insurgency. He’s never even visited Borno,” Ndume stated.
He revealed that Governor Babagana Zulum, alongside Borno’s three senators and a House of Representatives member, had met with the heads of Nigeria’s military branches to discuss strategies to reclaim the affected territories.
Despite the grim statistics, Ndume acknowledged the military’s efforts, stating that over 800 terrorists had been neutralized. “Interestingly, the terrorists have also turned on each other, with internal clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP killing over 500 of their own,” he added.
He emphasized the need for urgent recruitment, training, and equipping of security forces. “The combined strength of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy is under 300,000. In a country of over 200 million people, that’s simply not enough—especially when troops are deployed in nearly every state,” he said.
Ndume also lamented the plight of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that most officers earn low wages, with newly recruited personnel earning about ₦50,000 monthly. “Even their daily feeding allowance is just ₦1,500. Can anyone truly survive on that?” he asked.
Air Chief to Troops: Your Sacrifice Keeps Nigerians Safe
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, during a visit to the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, praised the troops for their unwavering commitment.
“Nigerians sleep with both eyes closed because of your sacrifices,” he said. The visit, according to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, was aimed at boosting morale and recognizing the troops’ bravery.
Abubakar reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to investing in advanced technology and precision airstrikes to maintain dominance over terrorist threats. He was also briefed on recent operational gains and the effectiveness of air support in the region.
The CAS assured troops of continued support, commending their unity, resilience, and dedication to safeguarding the nation.
