The North-East Youth Revival Movement (NEYM) has expresses deep sorrow and outrage in response to the recent attack by Boko Haram terrorists on a military base in Marte, Borno State, which tragically resulted in the loss of five brave soldiers.
The youth group in a statement issued by it's Chairman Abbarious Lawal said, the incident has reignited the urgent discourse surrounding Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism and has laid bare the glaring inadequacies of our defense leadership.
"In light of this devastating event, we hereby call for the immediate resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar. This demand reflects a growing frustration among the citizens of Nigeria regarding the government’s failure to provide adequate security and effectively combat the escalating threat posed by insurgents.
"The attack on our military personnel not only underscores the immediate dangers faced by those charged with protecting our nation but also highlights the broader implications of insecurity on our civilian population and the stability of our nation".
Recall that on Monday, Boko Haram insurgents launched a coordinated assault on a forward operating base, overpowering the soldiers stationed there, looting weapons, and seizing military vehicles which the group said the aftermath of the assault was catastrophic as soldiers were demoralized and terrified, abandoning their posts and fleeing back to their villages.
"This alarming behavior illustrates a critical crisis of confidence within our military ranks, echoing the widespread reports of desertion in the face of insurgent attacks. The harrowing sight of a commanding officer’s vehicle, along with essential military resources, falling into the hands of the insurgents further compromises our operational capacity and undermines morale, perpetuating a vicious cycle of insecurity and fear.
"The implications of this attack extend far beyond military confines, affecting the civilian population profoundly. Residents of surrounding communities, gripped by fear of further violence, have fled to safer areas such as Dikwa, Lukumani, and Mafa. The ongoing conflict has spiraled into a humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and forcing them into overcrowded internally displaced persons (IDP) camps that lack basic services.
The group disclosed that a recent report from SBM Intelligence reveals that over 2,000 people were killed in violent incidents across Nigeria from January to March 2025, with Borno State leading the casualty count, adding that these staggering statistics—892 civilians, 462 bandits, and 234 Boko Haram members—underscore the indiscriminate nature of violence in our region and the urgent need for effective intervention.
"Our call for the resignation or retirement of Minister Badaru Abubakar by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is emblematic of a broader demand for accountability within our government. The perception of incompetence in handling the escalating insecurity in the region is not unfounded. The Nigerian government's response to the Boko Haram insurgency has often been criticized for its lack of strategic planning, inadequate resources, and a failure to engage with local communities effectively.
"As the conflict continues to claim tens of thousands of lives and destroy entire communities, it is imperative that those in leadership positions are held accountable for their actions—or inactions. We cannot overlook the plight of the Nigerian military. Our soldiers are often thrust into perilous situations without adequate training, equipment, or support.
"The abandonment of posts by soldiers in the face of overwhelming odds is not merely an act of cowardice but rather a reflection of systemic failures within the military structure and the broader defense apparatus. It is essential to address the root causes of this crisis, including inadequate funding, lack of morale, and insufficient strategic planning.
"Without addressing these issues, calls for accountability will remain hollow, and the cycle of violence and insecurity will continue unabated. The call for the resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar is a reflection of a deep-seated frustration with the status quo and a demand for meaningful change. As our nation grapples with the consequences of ongoing violence, we must prioritize accountability, reform, and a renewed commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians.
"Only through concerted efforts to address these pressing issues can we hope to overcome the challenges posed by insurgency and restore peace and stability to the North-East and beyond" the group stressed.
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