Ali Ndume Raises Alarm Over Critical Ammunition Shortages in Borno State

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has sounded a grave warning over the escalating threat posed by insurgents in Borno State, highlighting critical ammunition shortages that are leaving Nigerian troops increasingly vulnerable. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, stressed that unless urgent measures are taken, Nigeria risks losing territories in the North-East to militant groups.

Troops Overwhelmed in Frontline Communities

Ndume revealed that Nigerian forces were recently forced to withdraw from Ngoshe and Pulka communities due to sustained attacks by insurgents coupled with inadequate ammunition supplies. He called on the federal government to bolster military capacity, urging immediate provision of sophisticated arms and logistical support.

“I gathered that our soldiers lacked adequate ammunition and had to withdraw from Ngoshe and Pulka because they were overwhelmed. It was only after reinforcements arrived that they reclaimed the areas. Nothing was left standing in both communities by the attackers,” Ndume said.

The senator painted a harrowing picture of the destruction in Ngoshe, describing it as “beyond description… reduced to ground zero, with nothing left except a small mosque.” He lauded the resilience of the local population and the determination of the state governor to rebuild, but stressed that federal intervention is essential to prevent further devastation.

Rising Civilian Casualties and Security Concerns

Akahi News gathered that recent coordinated bomb attacks in Maiduguri have intensified fears in the region. On March 16, 2026, a series of suspected suicide IED explosions targeted three locations: Maiduguri Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and Post Office Flyover area. The Borno State Police Command confirmed 23 fatalities and 108 injuries, with victims receiving emergency care from the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency.

Police investigations, led by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Base 13 Maiduguri, found no further threats, but authorities have heightened surveillance and deployed additional security operatives across the city. Despite these efforts, Ndume’s warning underscores ongoing challenges in frontline communities where insurgents remain active and well-armed.

A Call for Urgent Action

The senator stressed that without immediate reinforcement in ammunition, arms, and logistical support, military gains risk being reversed, leaving residents of the North-East increasingly exposed. He asked a critical question that resonates beyond Borno: can Nigeria continue to secure its territories and protect its citizens when operational readiness is compromised?

This situation also invites a philosophical reflection on governance and public safety: how can a state truly claim to safeguard its citizens if those defending them lack the resources to withstand persistent threats? And, in the broader sense, what responsibilities does the federal government bear in ensuring that its armed forces are not only trained but fully equipped for the complex security challenges facing the nation?

Ali Ndume’s warning is a stark reminder that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency is far from over. Strengthening military capacity, providing sufficient ammunition, and ensuring timely federal support are not just operational necessities—they are existential for the safety of North-East communities. As residents and policymakers reflect on recent events, the call for immediate action grows ever louder, challenging the government to meet both moral and strategic imperatives.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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