Senator Ali Ndume, former Senate Chief Whip and lawmaker representing Borno South, has called for an urgent, full-scale military offensive against insurgents in the North, warning that Nigeria risks missing a critical opportunity presented by the dry season if troops remain under-equipped and under-protected.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Ndume said improved visibility during the dry season, combined with renewed intelligence collaboration with the United States, has created a narrow but vital window to deal a decisive blow to terrorists operating in the North-East.
“The situation has changed and also improved, but it is not over until it is completely over. Now the dry season is set, visibility in the North is clearer, and with the new collaboration, intelligence sharing and some equipment support, the Nigerian Armed Forces have been able to go into the three black spots — Sambisa, Mandara Mountains and the Lake Chad region.”
However, the senator warned that despite visible progress, the military still lacks the essential resources required to end the war.
“They still need what I call TEAM — training, equipment, ammunition and motivation. The Nigerian Army, from top to bottom, is very committed. But no matter how committed you are, if you don’t have the morale booster, if you don’t have the equipment, soldiers will continue to die.”
Ndume, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, said many recent casualties were not from direct combat but from avoidable vulnerabilities.
“We lose more soldiers from landmines and IEDs. The last time we lost about eight soldiers in the Sambisa Triangle, it was because insurgents used a suicide bomber. If they had MRAPs and proper air cover from attack helicopters, they would clear these areas in a very short time.”
He added that Nigeria must not squander renewed American willingness to support counter-terrorism efforts.
“Before now, Americans were reluctant to give us intelligence support, but now they are willing. We must not miss this opportunity.”
On military funding, Ndume said the defence sector has the highest allocation in the current budget but insisted the real problem lies with delayed releases by the executive.
“Defence has the highest budget this year, and if there is a need to increase it, we will do that. But the problem is funding — the release of the money. The National Assembly budgets and approves; the executive executes. Once you bring a budget and we approve it, you should religiously follow it.”
He stressed that legislative oversight does not extend to releasing funds.
“Oversight is to ensure that money released is used according to the appropriation. The responsibility of releasing funds rests squarely with the executive — with the President.”
Ndume also criticised Nigeria’s approach to security funding, arguing that defence and other critical sectors should be treated as non-discretionary expenditures.
“Security agencies should be prioritised like in America, where military funding is non-discretionary. It is not something the Minister of Finance decides whether to release or not.”
On reports of a U.S. airstrike on terrorist targets in Sokoto State, Ndume declined to comment substantively, citing an impending closed-door Senate briefing.
“It would be immature and improper for me to pre-empt what the Senate leadership will brief us on.”
Turning to the new tax regime, Ndume described it as “faulty,” citing discrepancies between what lawmakers passed and what was signed into law.
“Even the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform admitted there are different versions. My concern is not just the discrepancies, but the secrecy. This is government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Why hide anything?”
He said the House of Representatives had already begun investigating the issue.
“There are discrepancies. What we passed is not what the President signed. This is not something that can be buried. You cannot build on disputed ground.”
Ndume rejected the idea that only parts of the law could be selectively implemented.
“Laws are not implemented discretionarily. Once you pass a law, you have no right to add to it or remove from it. These things show that Nigerians are being taken lightly.”
He criticised what he described as arrogance among some policy officials.
“Nigerians are not against tax. The problem is trust. The system has lost public confidence, yet taxes are being imposed arrogantly without proper explanation. The President is a servant of the people — Nigerians are not servants of the President.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Ndume warned that growing discontent in the North could have serious political consequences if left unaddressed.
“Anybody who tells you that the North is not grumbling is not speaking the truth. And that grumbling will be loud in their votes if nothing is done.”
He dismissed any notion of a manufactured electoral victory.
“Declaring victory will not work. You only win when the people accept you. If things don’t change, how can you expect people to vote for you?”
Ndume maintained that President Bola Tinubu still has time to reverse public dissatisfaction.
“The President can change things and turn things around. Nigerians are forgiving people. If security improves and people can travel freely without fear, Nigerians will have no reason to change leadership.”
However, he said the President’s greatest challenge lies within his inner circle.
“The President is not the problem. The people around him are the problem. Many capable people have been sidelined, and decisions are being taken by people who don’t understand Nigeria. Some of what they do is embarrassing to the President and to the country.”
He concluded with a warning that public patience is not limitless.
“If things remain the way they are and people are unhappy, resistance may come through votes, political realignment, or other means. We have seen it before, even in other countries.”
Boluwatife Enome
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