Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed concerns about the state of military equipment, personnel welfare, and operational conditions following the death of a senior army officer during a recent attack in Borno State.
Ndume spoke during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, while commenting on the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who served as Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI.
Reflecting on the incident, Ndume said, “The general we lost in Benisheikh, was in one of the MRAP, and it’s completely destroyed. And these are not locally produced. They cannot be locally maintained.”
He noted that the development highlights broader operational challenges faced by troops in the field. “So you can see that the situation we find ourselves requires really understanding and support of the government and the community. Basically, everybody needs to be on their toes,” he stated.
The senator further expressed concern about the morale of military personnel. “Yeah, not only on their toes, but I’m so worried these days that even the morale of our soldiers have started waning,” he said.
According to him, limited recognition and support for troops have contributed to the situation. “And that is because generally, except we that are wearing the shoe, do not appreciate what our soldiers out there are doing,” Ndume added.
He also raised issues relating to remuneration and welfare. “Up to now, a private is not receiving up to $80, and his feeding allowance is N3,000, which is what, 50 cents? I mean, it won’t work that way,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Ndume acknowledged the commitment of soldiers deployed in operational areas. “We have the soldiers, they are so committed, just if you go out there, especially in the theater, like the person that gave his life in Benisheikh, general, is from Edo, from Auchi, Braimah,” he stated.
He concluded by highlighting concerns over operational capacity. “The general was killed by a ragtag, and you know why? Because really, they don’t, I have been saying it, they don’t have the equipment, they don’t have the training, they don’t have the ammunition, they don’t have the motivation,” Ndume said….See More
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