Nigerian army lacks necessary equipment to fight insurgency -Governor Zulum
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has issued a stark warning about the Nigerian Army’s limited capacity to tackle the increasingly tech-savvy insurgents operating in the country’s northeast. Speaking during an interview with News Central on Wednesday, Zulum revealed that the military is ill-equipped to match the growing sophistication of terrorist groups who now deploy advanced technologies, including drones, in their attacks.
“The army does not have the necessary equipment on the ground to fight the insurgency,” Zulum stated. “Right now, the insurgents are using drones to fight soldiers on the ground.”
Zulum, whose state remains the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, highlighted the growing urgency of bolstering national security efforts. He called on President Bola Tinubu to streamline the process of military procurement and respond directly to the needs expressed by security forces.
“I visited the Chief of Army Staff a few days ago. He told me he needs about 32 drones to end this insurgency,” Zulum disclosed. “My plea is that we deal with this matter decisively.”
The governor emphasised the importance of cutting through bureaucratic red tape that often delays critical defence procurements. He urged President Tinubu to prioritise input from credible military voices over political opportunists and sycophants.
“He needs to understand what is happening on the ground,” Zulum warned. “Some people said there is no insecurity in Borno State. We should not politicise insecurity.”
Despite recent federal efforts, Borno continues to suffer sporadic terrorist attacks, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced since the insurgency began in 2009. Zulum acknowledged the federal government’s contributions to the fight but stressed the need for unity and decisive action at all levels of government.
“We must prioritise security,” he insisted. “National and subnational governments must pool resources together to procure equipment.”
Addressing the national conversation around the creation of state police, Zulum urged caution, advocating instead for strengthening the existing security framework rather than introducing a parallel system.
