A senator representing Kebbi South, Garba Maidoki, has urged the federal government to urgently increase Nigeria’s military strength and funding, warning that the current number of troops is inadequate to confront the country’s growing insecurity.
Maidoki made the call on Wednesday during plenary at the Senate while raising a personal explanation under Order 42 of the Senate Rules.
He argued that national security should take priority over infrastructure development, noting that roads, schools, and other projects were meaningless if citizens were forced to abandon their communities due to violence.
According to him, despite the commitment and sacrifices of the armed forces, the military remains overstretched due to manpower shortages.
“The army is doing very well, but they are understaffed,” Maidoki said, disclosing that he recently lost his brother, a warrant officer, who was killed while fighting bandits.
He described the loss as personal but said he was proud of his brother’s service to the nation.
The lawmaker warned that Nigeria’s estimated 230,000 soldiers as of 2025 are insufficient to tackle banditry and other security threats nationwide.
He questioned the prolonged duration of the fight against insecurity, asking how long the country intends to continue battling banditry.
“There is no way we should be fighting banditry for 20 years,” he said, calling on lawmakers to ensure that the military receives adequate funding in the upcoming budget cycle.
Maidoki appealed to the Senate to reallocate resources where necessary to strengthen the armed forces, expressing optimism that with proper funding and manpower, the insecurity crisis could be significantly reduced within the year.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed solidarity with the senator, affirming that the Senate shares his concerns and determination to see an end to banditry and insurgency.
Akpabio acknowledged public frustration over the persistent security challenges, noting that Nigeria’s vast size makes it impossible to station military personnel in every community.
He explained that security forces often respond to attacks after they occur, as criminal groups exploit soft targets.
Despite the challenges, the Senate President said lawmakers remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.
Insecurity: 230,000 soldiers not enough – Maidoki calls for increased military funding
