A senator representing Kebbi South, Garba Maidoki, has warned that Nigeria’s current military strength is not enough to deal with the growing insecurity across the country. Speaking during Senate plenary on Wednesday, he urged the Federal Government to urgently increase both the number of soldiers and funding for the armed forces.

Maidoki stressed that national security should come before infrastructure projects, arguing that roads, schools, and public buildings are useless if people are forced to flee their homes because of violence. He said the military has shown commitment and bravery but remains overstretched due to a shortage of personnel.

The senator shared a personal loss to highlight the seriousness of the situation, revealing that his brother, a warrant officer, was killed while fighting bandits. While describing the loss as painful, he said he remained proud of his brother’s sacrifice for the nation. Maidoki noted that Nigeria’s estimated 230,000 soldiers as of 2025 are far too few to secure a country of its size.

Calling for urgent action, Maidoki questioned why banditry has lasted for so many years and insisted that lawmakers must prioritise increased military funding in the next budget. Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed sympathy and assured Nigerians that the Senate remains committed to supporting efforts to end insecurity, despite the challenges posed by Nigeria’s vast landmass and the tactics used by criminal groups.