Army’s Battle Against Insecurity Undermined by Resource Deficits—Ndume
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has raised pressing concerns about the Nigerian Army’s capacity to effectively combat insecurity. Despite the bravery and dedication of soldiers, Ndume asserts that their efforts are being severely hindered by inadequate equipment, insufficient training, and a lack of motivation. His remarks follow the recent massacre of over 40 farmers in Dumba, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, an attack believed to have been orchestrated by Boko Haram and ISWAP militants.
Ndume, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, commended the gallantry of the troops but painted a grim picture of their operational conditions. “Soldiers are so gallant, but they lack sufficient training, ammunition, equipment, and motivation. These are essential for them to succeed in this fight,” he remarked. His observation underscores a persistent gap between the rhetoric of security improvement and the realities on the ground.
A Stark Reality for Soldiers
Ndume’s revelations shed light on systemic issues plaguing the Nigerian military. According to him, soldiers receive a daily feeding allowance of ₦1,500—not per meal but for an entire day—while private soldiers earn as little as ₦50,000 monthly, even with recent salary adjustments to ₦100,000. Such figures contrast sharply with the dangers they face daily, battling well-armed insurgents who exploit systemic weaknesses.
“For soldiers to operate effectively, we need to treat them with dignity and ensure their welfare is prioritized,” Ndume emphasized. However, the discrepancy between the sacrifices made by soldiers and the support provided to them reflects deeper structural failures.
Addressing the Logistics Deficit
The Senator highlighted the critical need for proper military hardware and technology, arguing that modern tools like drones and attack helicopters are indispensable for tackling insurgents, especially in challenging terrains like Nigeria’s northeastern desert regions.
“Manning our borders is not just manual work. With technology, drones can be used for surveillance, remaining airborne for extended periods. But we currently lack sufficient aircraft in the theatre,” he explained. He further criticized the redistribution of military resources to the northwest, which has left other conflict zones inadequately covered.
Border Security and Counter-Insurgency Strategy
Ndume pointed out the need for strategic collaboration between the Army and the Air Force to ensure comprehensive border security and effective counter-insurgency operations. “With consistent patrols and the right equipment, suspicious movements can be easily detected,” he stated. This recommendation highlights the potential for leveraging technology to close the gap between the military and insurgents.
Persistent Gaps in Counterinsurgency Efforts
Ndume’s remarks reflect broader debates about Nigeria’s counter-insurgency strategy, which has often been criticized for focusing on reactive rather than proactive measures. While political leaders routinely emphasize their commitment to ending insecurity, the persistence of attacks like the Dumba massacre highlights glaring inefficiencies in the military’s preparedness and operational strategy.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Army’s ability to overcome the nation’s prolonged security crisis lies not in the courage of its soldiers—which is already evident—but in addressing the glaring deficits in training, equipment, and motivation. Senator Ndume’s call for urgent reforms is a reminder that without a holistic approach to strengthening military capabilities and welfare, insecurity will remain a formidable challenge.
Ultimately, resolving these systemic issues requires not just political will but also a commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of those on the frontlines. Failure to do so will only deepen the crisis, leaving communities like Dumba vulnerable to repeated tragedies.
Reference
Army’s Battle Against Insecurity Undermined by Resource Deficits—Ndume