The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Tuesday knocked the Federal Government over reports that only about seven per cent of the Nigerian Army’s 2025 budget for security equipment has been released, noting that the shortfall is weakening operations on the frontlines and leaving communities increasingly vulnerable to attacks.
The issue, according to thr party has gone beyond just figures but what those figures mean in real terms.
The ADC particularly rued a situation where fewer operational vehicles, grounded aircraft, and limited capacity to respond quickly to attacks at a time when insecurity is rising across the country.
The party made its stance known in a statement in Abuja, which was made available to newsmen by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
While outlining what it described as a worrying gap between what was approved and what has actually been released, the party noted that out of N336.76 billion approved for security equipment in 2025, only N16.71 billion has reportedly been released, with no funding provided for key logistics such as transport, aircraft fuel and military barracks.
It reads further: “The African Democratic Congress is appalled by recent reports that only about 7 per cent 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,” the ADC said.
The party, while making a reference to recent mass abduction in Ngoshe, Borno State, where more than 400 women and children were reportedly taken by Boko Haram, ADC expressed dismay that over 400 women and children abducted in Ngoshe, Borno State are now the subject of a N5 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,” it said.
The ADC also said ransom demands by armed groups are rising sharply, noting that more than N12 billion has been demanded in April 2026 alone.
“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,” the party added.
The ADC further beaner a searchlight on what it described as a mismatch in priorities, saying the military is struggling with funding shortages while resources are being used to maintain the presidential air fleet.
The party warned that the effects are already being felt nationwide, with communities left vulnerable and businesses operating under constant fear.
The ADC has therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently secure the release of those abducted and to ensure that security budgets are backed by timely funding for equipment, logistics, training, and intelligence.
