Terrorists Now Outgun Our Soldiers’: Nigerian Senator Sounds Regional Alarm as Boko Haram Gains Battlefield Edge

A senior Nigerian lawmaker has issued a dramatic warning that Boko Haram fighters are now better armed than government troops, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene before the insurgency escalates further.

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South the heart of the 16-year conflict said soldiers are being forced into retreat because they lack ammunition, armored vehicles, and air support.

“They were dislodged simply because they didn’t have enough arms, ammunition, or the right equipment,” Ndume said, confirming that troops in Ngoshe carried out a tactical withdrawal during a recent attack.

“When you run out of ammunition and have nowhere to take cover, you cannot face the enemy.”

Ndume warned that Boko Haram’s firepower now exceeds that of frontline troops, despite the military’s courage.

He said the Nigerian Armed Forces lack essential assets such as MRAPs, gun trucks, and permanently deployed attack helicopters.

The senator outlined what he described as the key to victory Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation stressing that morale is dangerously low, with soldiers earning the equivalent of $70 per month and a daily food allowance under $2.

While acknowledging President Tinubu’s efforts, including expanded military recruitment and a security emergency, Ndume insisted that federal support remains far below what the crisis demands.

He also revealed he has no direct access to the president, saying his public warning is meant to reach Tinubu “through the media.”

Borno State, led by Governor Babagana Zulum, is reportedly overextending its resources by supplying armored vehicles and logistics responsibilities Ndume said should be carried by the federal government.

Communities across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, and Lake Chad Basin remain displaced and unable to return home as insurgent pressure intensifies.

“The Nigerian army is gallant and strong,” Ndume said. “But you cannot confront terrorists with inferior equipment. With the right tools, this war can be won quickly.”