Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has raised serious concerns over a shortage of ammunition among Nigerian troops, warning that the situation is leaving soldiers vulnerable to attacks by insurgents in parts of Borno State.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Ndume said the country risks losing more territory in the North-East if urgent steps are not taken to strengthen the military, especially in frontline communities.
According to him, troops were recently forced to retreat from Ngoshe and Pulka after coming under heavy attack due to insufficient ammunition. He explained that the soldiers only managed to reclaim the areas after reinforcements arrived.
Ndume called on the Federal Government to step up efforts in equipping the military with modern weapons and adequate supplies, stressing that the current situation puts both soldiers and civilians at risk.
Describing what he saw during a visit to the affected areas, the senator said the level of destruction was devastating. He noted that entire communities had been wiped out, with barely anything left standing except a small mosque.
Despite the destruction, he commended the resilience of the affected residents and the commitment of the state government to rebuild. However, he emphasised that more federal support is urgently needed.
The concerns come amid a series of deadly attacks in Maiduguri, where multiple explosions recently killed at least 23 people and injured over 100 others.
Security agencies confirmed that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers at different locations across the city, including a market, a hospital gate, and a flyover.
Emergency responders quickly moved victims to nearby hospitals, while security operatives secured the affected areas and carried out sweep operations to prevent further attacks.
Authorities have since assured residents that calm has returned, with increased security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its surroundings.
Ndume warned that without immediate intervention—particularly in the provision of arms, ammunition, and logistics—the military may struggle to sustain its fight against insurgency, leaving more communities exposed to further attacks.
