Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has warned that Nigerian troops are facing critical ammunition shortages, leaving them vulnerable to insurgent attacks in parts of Borno State.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Ndume said soldiers were recently forced to withdraw from Ngoshe and Pulka communities after being overwhelmed during sustained attacks.
“I gathered that our soldiers lacked adequate ammunition and had to withdraw,” he said, adding that the areas were only reclaimed after reinforcements arrived.
The lawmaker, who represents Borno South, warned that Nigeria risks losing ground in the North-East if urgent steps are not taken to strengthen military capacity.
He called on the federal government to provide more weapons, ammunition and logistical support to troops operating in frontline areas.
Ndume described the scale of destruction in affected communities as severe. “I have seen Ngoshe, and it is beyond description. The destruction is total,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed security concerns following recent attacks in Maiduguri.
Authorities confirmed that at least 23 people were killed and 108 others injured after multiple explosions hit key locations across the city, including the Monday Market and areas near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The Borno State Police Command said the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Security agencies have since secured the affected areas and increased surveillance.
Emergency responders evacuated victims to hospitals, while officials said normalcy has returned to the city.
Ndume stressed that without immediate reinforcement, troops may struggle to maintain control in insurgency-hit areas, leaving communities exposed to further attacks.
