Members of the House of Representatives have issued a stark warning to President Bola Tinubu, stating that Boko Haram insurgents are now better equipped than the Nigerian military and are staging a dangerous resurgence in the North East.
Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) said that over the years, insurgents have carted away arms and military assets worth trillions of naira from military formations, leaving the country’s defence forces increasingly vulnerable.
“The scale of destruction and looting of military hardware is unprecedented,” Gagdi stated while supporting a motion by Rep. Ahmed Satomi (APC, Borno) on a recent fire incident at the 127 Battalion armoury in Giwa Barracks and the growing attacks on military bases in Borno and Yobe States.
Gagdi expressed deep concern about the government’s slow response to rising insecurity, warning that Nigerians may lose faith in democratic institutions and begin to revolt.
“The images I saw from Giwa Barracks were terrifying. I am scared for the safety of Nigerian civilians.
“The platforms we budgeted trillions for—tanks, weapons—have been taken over by enemies of the state,” he said.
He called on President Tinubu to hold military commanders accountable for operational lapses, stressing that continuous negligence could provoke a national backlash.
His words: “If action is not taken, Nigerians will take their destinies into their own hands. We are getting to a point where the people may treat politicians like they treat Boko Haram.”
Adding to the concern, Rep. Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) revealed that Boko Haram is now deploying weaponised drones and other advanced technology in attacks across his constituency.
He claimed the insurgents possess more sophisticated equipment than the Nigerian Army.
He said: “In Chibok, 14 farmers were slaughtered. In Izge, two soldiers, including a captain, were killed. I witnessed the devastation myself just days ago.
“Boko Haram is using armed drones—technology our own military lacks.”
Rep. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) confirmed the rising threat, stating that over 20 soldiers were killed in recent attacks on military formations in Kala Balge.
Another lawmaker, Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali (APC, Yobe), raised concerns over the possible involvement of foreign actors, citing the insurgents’ advanced firepower and tactical capabilities.