A sense of urgency and concern has gripped Nigeria’s House of Representatives as lawmakers warn of the devastating consequences of the government’s inaction in the face of escalating Boko Haram attacks. The recent surge in violence, including a fire incident at the 127 Battalion armoury in Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, and repeated attacks on military bases across Borno and Yobe States, has sparked fears of a breakdown in democratic institutions and widespread public backlash.
According to Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, the insurgents have made off with trillions of naira worth of tanks and weapons from military formations over the years, despite significant budgetary allocations aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture. The sheer scale of the looting has left lawmakers stunned, with Gagdi admitting that the images from the Giwa Barracks attack were “frightening.” He questioned how the government could guarantee the safety of its citizens when the very platforms meant to protect them are in the hands of the enemy.
The lawmakers’ concerns are compounded by reports of Boko Haram’s increasing sophistication, including the use of weaponized drones to strike both military and civilian targets. Rep. Ahmed Jaha revealed that the group’s advanced equipment has allowed it to outmaneuver the Nigerian military, citing the brutal killing of 14 farmers in Chibok and the deaths of a captain and senior officer in Izge. The situation is further dire in Rep. Zainab Gimba’s constituency, where attacks on communities have intensified, leaving civilians and military formations vulnerable.
The possible involvement of external forces in Boko Haram’s growing technological capabilities has also been raised, with Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali calling for an investigation into the matter. The lawmakers have collectively urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action, holding military commanders and security chiefs accountable for operational failures and restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the Nigerian government is under mounting pressure to respond effectively to the crisis. The lawmakers’ warnings of impending anarchy and breakdown in democratic institutions serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved. With the security of Nigerian citizens hanging in the balance, the government must act swiftly to address the concerns of its people and prevent further escalation of the violence.
