By Nigerian News24 staff
Retired military generals have once again urged the Federal Government to urgently equip the Nigerian Armed Forces as concerns rise over the resurgence of terrorist attacks and killings in the North-East region. This call follows the House of Representatives’ expression of deep concern on Tuesday over a deadly assault on a military facility in Giwa, Borno State, which they described as a clear sign that Boko Haram insurgents are better armed than the Nigerian military.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, lawmakers expressed alarm over the return of the terrorist group and the increasing fatalities in Borno and neighboring Yobe States. Despite continuous increases in defense and security sector funding, questions persist about the adequacy of arms available to the military.
In 2023, the Federal Government allocated N2.98 trillion to defense and security, a figure that increased to N3.25 trillion in the 2024 budget, and a record N4.91 trillion has been proposed for 2025, as part of the N49.7 trillion national budget to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies. However, despite these significant allocations, Nigeria continues to struggle with security challenges, including insurgency and banditry.
The Defence Headquarters did not respond to the claims made by the House regarding the military’s lack of equipment when contacted on Tuesday. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, referred inquiries to Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, but he did not respond.
Retired military officers have emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the procurement of modern combat equipment and improved intelligence support for frontline troops. They cautioned that without immediate action, the gains made in the fight against insurgency could be undone.
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) stated that the question of whether terrorists are better equipped than the Nigerian military is no longer a rhetorical one. He warned that insurgents have evolved from being ragtag groups to well-armed forces, possessing encrypted communications, drones, night-vision devices, GPS-guided explosives, and coordinated strike capabilities. He emphasized that without adapting to this evolution, Nigerian soldiers would be ill-equipped to face modern threats, thus endangering the nation’s defense.
Aro called for a strategic shift in the country’s approach to warfare, advocating for enhanced funding of intelligence, equipping the army, and rapidly advancing technological superiority. He stressed that modern warfare requires high-tech tools like satellite-linked sensors and AI-based surveillance, which are expensive but necessary.
Similarly, retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi urged the military to be equipped with advanced intelligence-gathering tools such as drones to improve planning and execution of counterterrorism operations. He also highlighted the need for stronger political will to tackle the root causes of insecurity and warned against political figures exploiting the crisis for personal gain.
On the issue of border security, Adewinbi decried Nigeria’s porous borders, which he said allowed dangerous individuals to enter the country unchecked.
Former Nigerian Air Force spokesman Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.) called for better accountability regarding military expenditures. He emphasized that without proper oversight, funds allocated to the military could be misused, and it is the responsibility of elected officials to ensure that defense funds are properly spent.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives heard a motion on the renewed attacks by terrorists in Borno State, presented by Ahmed Satomi, the representative for Jere Federal Constituency. Satomi lamented the recent fire incident at Giwa Barracks and the continuing attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe States. The fire, which occurred on May 1, 2025, was attributed to “friendly fire” by the military command, with explosions occurring after munitions at the facility caught fire due to the intense heat in the region.
During the plenary, several lawmakers voiced their concerns, with Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) expressing that Boko Haram is better armed and more sophisticated than the Nigerian military, citing the insurgents’ use of drones and advanced weaponry. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) highlighted a recent Boko Haram attack on a multinational joint task force that left more than 20 soldiers dead.
The House resolved to investigate the fire incident at Giwa Barracks and to review security measures at military installations to prevent future occurrences. Lawmakers also agreed to strengthen security operations in Borno and Yobe States to protect both military personnel and civilians.
In addition to security concerns in the North-East, the House also addressed the deteriorating situation in Otukpo, Benue State, where armed herders have been killing residents and disrupting farming communities. Representative Blessing Onuh of Benue urged the government to deploy more security personnel to the area and hold perpetrators accountable.
The Senate also took action by deciding to hold a two-day national security summit to discuss solutions to rising insecurity. The summit, proposed by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, will involve all levels of government and traditional institutions. Senators highlighted the need for better intelligence sharing among security agencies and for more effective resource management to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
As the situation in the country remains dire, both the House of Representatives and the Senate are pushing for urgent action to address the growing insecurity threatening Nigeria’s stability.