The security situation in Borno State, Nigeria, has grown more dire, with recent reports revealing that Boko Haram insurgents have killed over 100 soldiers and 280 civilians between November 2024 and April 2025. These fatalities resulted from 252 attacks carried out by the terrorist group, leaving a total of 380 casualties. Senator Ali Ndume, who represents the Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed this alarming information during a press briefing in Abuja.
In his statement, Ndume expressed deep concern about the resurgence of Boko Haram’s insurgency in the region, stressing that despite the efforts of the Nigerian military, the situation continues to worsen. He called for urgent attention from both the military and the government to address the growing insecurity in Borno State.
According to Ndume, the insurgents launched a total of 252 attacks in Borno between November 2024 and April 2025, claiming the lives of soldiers and civilians alike. The senator highlighted that despite the Nigerian military’s ongoing efforts, including the elimination of over 800 terrorists, the insurgents have continued to wreak havoc on both military personnel and innocent civilians.
“These attacks have left Borno residents in a state of fear, and the toll on our security forces has been heavy,” Ndume said, adding that many of the dead were military personnel on the front lines of Operation Hadin Kai, the ongoing military campaign aimed at defeating the insurgents.
He noted that the internal conflict between Boko Haram and its splinter group, ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province), has led to further casualties among the terrorists, with approximately 500 Boko Haram fighters reportedly killed in internal clashes.
Ndume highlighted that to tackle the insurgency effectively, the military urgently requires better equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. These specialized vehicles are vital for protecting soldiers from roadside bombs, a common weapon used by insurgents in ambushes. The senator pointed out that each MRAP vehicle could cost around $1 billion, a substantial investment needed to ensure the military’s success in combating the insurgency.
He further criticized the inadequate funding for security operations, suggesting that the federal government should prioritize national security over other expenditures. He proposed that the president declare a state of emergency on security, welfare, and the economy, with a focus on improving the country’s security infrastructure.
Ndume also revealed that three local governments in Borno State – Gudumbali, Marte, and Abadam – remain under the control of Boko Haram insurgents. This ongoing occupation by the terrorists has left residents trapped in areas where insurgent activities are frequent and unchecked.
The senator described the situation as grave, with the insurgents now holding territory that should be governed by local authorities. The lack of control in these regions has disrupted daily life, with people in many areas unable to travel freely after dark.
“In Southern Borno, it is a similar situation. There are seven out of nine local governments where movement is severely restricted after 6 p.m.,” Ndume said. He described how residents can no longer move between local governments after nightfall, with the military’s road scanning operations becoming the only safeguard for travelers.
To combat the insurgency, Ndume shared that political leaders in the state are working closely with military authorities. Recently, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, alongside Ndume and the other two senators from the state, met with top military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Naval Staff. The aim of the meeting was to brainstorm effective strategies for addressing the surge in Boko Haram attacks.
The meeting resulted in assurances from the military that measures are being put in place to tackle the situation. Governor Zulum has also taken steps to support the military, recently donating over 100 vehicles and motorcycles to the security agencies. This support aims to improve mobility and the overall effectiveness of security operations.
While the military’s efforts have been commendable, Ndume stressed that the security forces are facing significant challenges, including being overstretched and under-resourced. He pointed out that the combined strength of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy is fewer than 300,000 personnel, which is insufficient to secure a country of over 200 million people.
“How can we protect a nation with such a large population, spread across 36 states, with less than 300,000 soldiers?” Ndume asked, underscoring the need for more recruitment, training, and equipment for the armed forces. The senator also pointed out the critical role of the police, whose numbers and resources are similarly lacking.
Ndume also lamented the low morale among Nigerian security forces, particularly the police, who are often underpaid and poorly equipped. According to Ndume, many police officers receive meager salaries, with new recruits earning only N50,000 per month, which is far from enough to meet their basic needs. This low pay, coupled with inadequate equipment and poor working conditions, affects the ability of security forces to effectively combat insurgents.
He argued that security personnel must be properly motivated and well-equipped to tackle the insurgency, emphasizing the importance of adequate pay and training. He also criticized the government’s failure to implement the N70,000 minimum wage in some states, which further undermines the effectiveness of security forces.
Amid the ongoing struggles in Borno, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, visited the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri to boost troop morale. During his visit, Abubakar praised the sacrifices of the troops, saying that Nigerians now sleep with greater peace due to their vigilance and dedication.
“The sacrifices of our troops are etched in the hearts of millions of Nigerians who sleep safer because of your vigilance,” Abubakar said, highlighting the critical role of airpower in neutralizing Boko Haram threats. He reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to providing continued support to ground forces through airstrikes and close air support.
