A federal lawmaker from Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi, has raised serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians following recent attacks by Boko Haram on military bases in Borno and Yobe States.
The attacks, which included a fire incident at the 127 Battalion Armoury in Giwa Barracks, led to the loss of military weapons now believed to be in the hands of the insurgents.
Gagdi, who represents Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Constituency in the House of Representatives, spoke during a session where lawmakers discussed the growing threat posed by Boko Haram’s renewed assaults on military installations.
The motion was moved by Ahmad Satomi, representing Jere Federal Constituency in Borno.
During the debate, Gagdi expressed fear over what he described as a troubling situation.
He stated that based on the disturbing images he had seen from the aftermath of the attacks, he was deeply worried about whether the lives of ordinary Nigerians could still be protected.
He questioned how such a large amount of military equipment, reportedly funded with trillions of naira through National Assembly budgets, could fall into enemy hands.
He pointed out that the military had received heavy investments in weapons, including tanks and other equipment, with the expectation that such tools would help keep citizens safe.
But with recent developments, he wondered how the government could assure the public of their protection.
Although he acknowledged the sacrifices made by military personnel, he insisted that the leadership of the armed forces must be held responsible for what he sees as a serious lapse.
He said that while the National Assembly has consistently raised concerns about the security challenges in the country, words alone are no longer enough.
He called for concrete steps from the presidency to ensure that those in charge of national defense are held to account for failures in their duties.
Gagdi urged that heads of military and security agencies be made to publicly answer questions about the security lapses, especially as the nation continues to face rising attacks from insurgents.
He warned that without proper action, the safety of the country and its people remains at risk.
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