Nigeria faces a worsening security crisis, with Boko Haram regaining control in parts of Borno State, sparking widespread alarm among prominent Nigerians. Senator Ali Ndume revealed that Boko Haram has seized three local government areas: Gudumbari, Marte, and Abadam, between November 2024 and April 2025. This resurgence has led to over 252 attacks, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 soldiers and 238 civilians in Borno State alone.

Ndume criticized Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, labeling him as “naive” and “the Minister of Misinformation” for downplaying the severity of the situation. He highlighted the urgent need for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security and the economy, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum echoed Ndume’s concerns, describing Idris as “naive” regarding the escalating security challenges, especially after a deadly Boko Haram attack along the Damboa-Maiduguri Road resulted in multiple casualties. Zulum called for resilience from local communities and renewed efforts from the Nigerian Army to secure the volatile Maiduguri-Damboa corridor.

In response to the escalating crisis, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar visited troops in Maiduguri, commending their courage and dedication in the face of adversity. He assured them of improved welfare and continued investment in cutting-edge technology to enhance operational effectiveness, reinforcing the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to maintaining dominance in the battle space.

Meanwhile, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Osun State, Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, raised alarm over the surge in kidnappings across the country, warning that the gains recorded by security agencies risk being reversed. He called for strengthened collaboration among security agencies and urged citizens to support the government by providing intelligence to curb criminal activities.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, issued a 30-day ultimatum to Southeast governors to tackle the worsening security situation in the region, attributing increased attacks to Fulani herdsmen. The group threatened to call on President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the affected states if the governors fail to act within the given timeframe.

Ndume stressed that the military needs Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, costing about N1 billion each, to tackle the insurgents effectively. He lamented the inadequate equipment and insufficient manpower of the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that the total number of personnel is not up to 300,000 for a country of over 200 million people. He also highlighted the poor remuneration and welfare of security officers, questioning how they can be expected to perform their duties effectively with meager resources.

The senator urged the Federal Government to prioritize security, welfare, and the economy, even if it means borrowing to address these critical areas. He reiterated the need for trained, adequately equipped, and motivated troops to combat the escalating insurgency and restore peace and stability to the affected regions.