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ADC: Seven Percent Funding Of Army Equipment Reflects APC Government’s Lip Service
ADC: Seven Percent Funding Of Army Equipment Reflects APC Government’s Lip Service
The ADC party says full funding of presidential fleet while military aircraft languish is a cruel misplacement of priority.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the federal government following reports that only about 7 percent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment was released in 2025. The party described as outrageous the report that, out of N336.76 billion approved for security equipment in the year, only a paltry N16.71 billion was released, while nothing was released for key logistics such as transport and aircraft fuel, as well as military barracks.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party also lamented that, at a time when the nation faces unprecedented security challenges, the Federal Government chose to concentrate resources on the maintenance of the presidential fleet while military aircraft languish due to a lack of funds. The party described this as an unpardonable misplacement of priority.
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The ADC further argued that the underfunding of military equipment and operations significantly explains why the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate, with insurgents and terrorists becoming more emboldened by the day. The party pointed to the recent abduction of over 400 women and children in Ngoshe, Borno State, where Boko Haram has issued a N5 billion ransom demand and a 72-hour ultimatum, as evidence that the APC government has lost control of the fight against terror. It also noted that, in the month of April 2026 alone, more than N12 billion has been demanded in ransom by various insurgent groups.
The full statement reads:
The African Democratic Congress is appalled by recent reports that only about 7 percent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment has been released in the 2025 fiscal year. Out of the N336.76 billion approved, only a paltry N16.71 billion has reportedly been disbursed, while nothing has been released for critical logistics such as transport, aircraft fuel, and military barracks. At a time when Nigeria is battling widespread insecurity, this is not just disturbing, it is indefensible. It is yet another example of a government that talks tough on security but fails to back it up with action.
Even more alarming is that this disclosure comes as Nigerians confront yet another national tragedy. Reports indicate that over 400 women and children abducted in Ngoshe, Borno State are now the subject of a ₦5 billion ransom demand by Boko Haram, with a 72-hour ultimatum and a chilling threat that the victims may be dispersed and never seen again if the government fails to act. This is the painful reality of our country today: a country where terrorists feel bold enough to issue deadlines to the state; a country where hundreds of citizens can be held hostage while the government underfunds the very military meant to protect them.
The connection between these two realities is direct. When only a fraction of security funds is released, when nothing is provided for logistics like mobility and fuel, and when equipment procurement is delayed, the result is predictable: a weakened security system. And when the state looks weak, those who threaten it grow stronger, with devastating consequences for ordinary Nigerians.
Even more troubling is the contrast in priorities. While the military struggles with chronic underfunding, the federal government has reportedly ensured full funding for the luxurious presidential air fleet enjoyed by President Tinubu and his immediate family, even as military aircraft remain grounded due to a lack of resources. This paints a troubling picture of a government that is more concerned with comfort at the top than safety on the ground.
A government that releases only 7 percent of security equipment funds, and nothing for critical logistics, cannot claim to be serious about winning the war against terror. You cannot starve our brave men and women in uniform of the tools they need and expect them to defeat a determined and well-armed enemy. This is not just a budgeting failure, it is a failure of leadership.
The consequences are clear. Communities remain exposed. Farmers cannot return to their farms. Businesses continue to operate under fear. And now, hundreds of women and children face an uncertain fate in the hands of terrorists.
ADC
The ADC believes that security funding must be treated as a first-line responsibility. Budgetary allocations must translate into real, timely releases for equipment, logistics, training, and intelligence. Anything less weakens both the morale of our armed forces and the safety of our people.
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Nigeria does not lack resources. What we lack is the discipline to put those resources where they matter most. The ADC stands with the families of those abducted and calls on the federal government to act with urgency, clarity, and resolve to secure their safe return, while addressing the deeper failures that have made such tragedies possible.
The ADC remains committed to building a Nigeria where security is not just promised, but properly funded, carefully managed, and truly delivered.
Signed:
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
High Court Fines Indian Crew, Vessel $6m Over ‘31.5kg Cocaine Shipment’ Into Nigeria
The federal high court in Lagos has convicted and fined 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel $6 million in fines and restitution over the importation of 31.5kg of cocaine.
A statement on Thursday by Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said the sailors and the vessel — MV Aruna Hulya — were arrested after operatives uncovered 31.5kg of cocaine concealed in hatch three of the ship at the GDNL terminal in Apapa on January 2.
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Federal High Court
High court fines Indian crew, vessel $6m over ‘31.5kg cocaine shipment’ into Nigeria
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NNS Hands Over Another Suspected Militant Collaborator To DSS As NAVAL Operations Deepen In Cross River
NNS Hands Over Another Suspected Militant Collaborator To DSS As NAVAL Operations Deepen In Cross River
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing operations against militancy and criminality within the Calabar waterways with the handover of a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services (DSS), Calabar Command.
The suspect, identified as Mr Ubong Clement, was arrested by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY deployed at the Forward Security Outpost on Dayspring Island, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State. The arrest forms part of sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and their support structures within the area.
Eereporter.com
Preliminary investigations established that the suspect allegedly maintained regular contact with members of militant groups operating within the Dayspring Island axis and was involved in activities that compromised ongoing security operations. Intelligence further linked the suspect to a notorious militant identified as Steven Joseph, alias “Juju,” who has been associated with criminal activities within the waterways
Further findings revealed that the suspect allegedly acted as a conduit for the disposal of goods stolen from market boats intercepted by militants operating in the area. Investigations indicated that proceeds from the sale of such items were remitted to the militant network, thereby providing financial and logistical support for their operations.
Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the suspect was handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
The handover underscores the Nigerian Navy’s determination to not only target criminal elements directly involved in militancy but also dismantle the support networks that sustain their activities. By disrupting these local facilitators, security forces continue to degrade the operational capability of criminal groups operating within the maritime environment.
NAVAL
The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and targeted security actions to ensure lasting peace and security within the Calabar waterways and adjoining communities.
Signed
ABIODUN FOLORUNSHO
Navy Captain
Director Naval Information
Nigerian Navy
Eereporter.com
News
AFCSC Graduates Tactical Commanders As Armed Forces Enhance Readiness For Emerging Security Challenges
AFCSC Graduates Tactical Commanders As Armed Forces Enhance Readiness For Emerging Security Challenges
The Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, has graduated officers of Junior Course 101, reaffirming the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to building a highly skilled, adaptive, and mission-ready officer corps capable of addressing contemporary and emerging security threats.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, noted that Nigeria’s evolving security environment, characterized by terrorism, banditry, cyber threats, and transnational organised crime, demands greater jointness, inter-agency collaboration, and strategic foresight.
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He emphasized that the graduates are equipped with the planning, analytical, and decision-making skills required to strengthen operational effectiveness and contribute meaningfully to national security.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal AO Shogbanmu, highlighted the College’s continuous curriculum review efforts to address emerging threats, evolving forms of warfare, and modern staff work requirements. He explained that the course combined intensive academic activities and field training exercises designed to prepare officers for single-service, joint, multi-agency, and combined operations.
Commending the graduates for their resilience and dedication, the Commandant noted that the programme challenged their leadership abilities, critical thinking, and decision-making skills while instilling the enduring military values of discipline, integrity, loyalty, and service before self.
Air Marshal Aneke further underscored the importance of innovation, adaptability, and technological awareness in an increasingly complex operational environment shaped by hybrid warfare and non-state actors.
He urged the graduands to remain agile, ethical, and professional in the discharge of their duties, noting that public confidence in the Armed Forces is built on competence, integrity, and principled leadership. The ceremony also highlighted the importance of regional defence cooperation, with officers from friendly nations participating in the course, further strengthening partnerships that contribute to peace, security, and stability within Nigeria and beyond.
AFCSC
In recognition of exceptional performance, Captain OO Komolafe received both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff Awards. Other award recipients included Lieutenant (NN) ES Williamson, who won the Chief of Naval Staff Award; Flight Lieutenant SO Solomon, who received the Chief of the Air Staff Award; and Captain K Arthur-Barnes of Ghana, who was honoured as the Best International Student.
Eereporter.com
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