By Punch Editorial Board, May 15, 2027
AMID the worsening insecurity, the government and military continue to promote the narrative that the situation is under control. For every security setback, they provide a standard explanation: we are dealing with the terrorists. This is bunkum. Words are not enough—only decisive action will secure the country.
Between May 2023 and September 2024, 13,346 Nigerians were reportedly killed in violent incidents. Over 9,200 were abducted, thousands displaced, and hundreds of security personnel killed. Military formations and vehicles were destroyed, and armouries looted.
In just 30 days leading up to the first week of May, terrorists killed more than 380 people across Plateau, Benue, Borno, and Kwara States. An army captain and a soldier were among the victims.
Mahmuda and Lakurawa have now joined the ranks of a growing list of murderous groups—Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, and numerous bandits and militias. The worsening insecurity has raised serious concerns that the military is being outgunned and outmanoeuvred, suggesting that the top brass is at its wits’ end. This is alarming.
Some retired generals argue the military must retool and re-strategise. Even the usually compliant National Assembly is calling for a security summit. At the weekend, northern governors convened in Kaduna to discuss the escalating violence.
Curiously, the Minister of Defence, Mohamed Badaru, continues to deflect the concerns. He claims the terrorists do not possess superior firepower and insists Nigeria has “more sophisticated weapons and drones.” But the facts on the ground suggest otherwise.
Badaru boasted that Nigeria had begun producing drones and aircraft components for future export. This is irreconcilable with ongoing mass killings.
He stated that between May 2023 and February 2024, troops killed or captured thousands of terrorists, with many others surrendering alongside their families. He added that displaced persons were returning to their homes. This tired rhetoric must end.
Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, attributed most killings to non-Nigerian Fulani, based on their “accent and skin tone”. This is a bizarre excuse for failing to neutralise the killers.
Neither he nor Badaru acknowledged that trillions in defence budgets have yielded few tangible results. In 2023, defence received N2.98 trillion. This increased to N3.25 trillion in 2024 and N4.91 trillion in 2025.
Yet, terror groups are becoming more lethal. They deploy drones, plant landmines, and destroy military bases easily.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, warns that Nigeria is losing ground to terrorists. The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar el-Kanemi, adds that Boko Haram now controls three LGAs in the state. The military denies.
This calls for a forensic audit of defence expenditures. What exactly is the colossal security budget being used for? The military jets acquired under the Muhammadu Buhari administration have reportedly struck civilian targets more often than terrorist ones.
This raises urgent questions about pilot training and the accuracy of intelligence on enemy positions. These issues must be addressed.
Transparency on security spending will help dispel allegations that funds meant for troops and equipment end up in the private accounts of some military officers.
Under President Goodluck Jonathan, a probe found that $2.2 billion meant for arms procurement through the National Security Adviser’s office was embezzled.
Sambo Dasuki was investigated in connection with the heist. Years later, corruption continues to haunt the security services.
Poorly equipped soldiers with outdated weapons are still sent to confront better-armed insurgents. This is unacceptable.
Incumbent NSA Nuhu Ribadu, appointed on the strength of his anti-corruption record, must prove his worth. He should track every missing naira in defence spending and seek external help where necessary.
Badaru says insurgents receive tips from informants and attack unexpectedly. The self-styled Department of State Services and other intelligence agencies must curtail such lapses. This national embarrassment cannot continue.
