Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, expressed confidence that Nigeria could effectively tackle its security challenges within a timeframe of six months to a year, provided the government adopts a serious and strategic approach.
His remarks came during an interactive session with journalists in Kano on Sunday, following his attendance at a Senate retreat focused on constitutional review.
Ndume, a former Senate Majority Leader, underscored the necessity for robust support for the nation’s service chiefs, highlighting the importance of adequate manpower, equipment, and resources.
He stated, “We have three challenges in the country fundamentally: Boko Haram, Bandits or Kidnapping, and IPoB. All these three, interacting with all security agencies, if the government is very serious about these, it can be addressed in six months and at most one year.”
The senator pointed out several critical issues plaguing the Nigerian military, including personnel shortages, inadequate training, and a lack of modern equipment.
Specifically, he mentioned the absence of updated firearms within Nigerian army formations, stating, “We lack new AK-47s, let alone AK-49s.”
Despite recent efforts by the Nigerian Army to enhance its arsenal—acquiring advanced military hardware such as Chinese VT4 tanks, T-72 tanks from the Czech Republic, and Type 89 Armored Fighting Vehicles—the effectiveness of these additions in addressing Nigeria’s security concerns remains uncertain.
Ndume noted, “These bandits are not trained and not equipped. Most of the equipment they use is delivered to them or taken over from our armed forces.” He emphasized that with today’s technological advancements, such as ICT, it should be feasible to track and locate criminal elements more effectively. “What stops them from tracing where Turji is or criminals? So there is something fundamentally wrong there,” he remarked.
Commending the Chief of Army Staff for acknowledging the unrealistic demands placed on the military to secure a population of 230 million with limited resources, Ndume proposed that the solution lies in recruiting more youth into the Nigerian Army.
He stated, “Seventy percent of our population are young and eager to serve, but lack opportunities and encouragement. Unfortunately, many are losing faith and becoming desperate, even taking risks to become modern-day slaves in other countries.”
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its security issues, Ndume’s call for a concerted effort and reform within the military raises critical questions about the future of national security in the country.