The North-East Youth Revival Movement (NEYM) Wednesday slammed the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, following a deadly Boko Haram attack on a military base in Marte, Borno state, which left five soldiers dead.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Abba Lawal, the group expressed outrage over what it described as “glaring inadequacies” in Nigeria’s defence leadership, adding that the incident had exposed deep cracks in the country’s security architecture.
“The attack has reignited the urgent discourse surrounding Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. The government’s failure to provide adequate security and contain the escalating threat posed by insurgents has left citizens frustrated and vulnerable,” the statement said.
The group added that the Boko Haram fighters overran the military base, looted weapons, and seized vehicles, forcing demoralised troops to abandon their positions and flee to nearby communities.
NEYM said the incident reflected a crisis of confidence within the military, with reports of widespread desertion further compromising operational capacity and troop morale.
“The harrowing sight of a commanding officer’s vehicle and other critical assets falling into insurgents’ hands further undermines national security,” it said.
It added that the attack triggered fresh displacement, as residents fled to Dikwa, Lukumani, and Mafa for safety. The group said the incident had worsened an already dire humanitarian situation in the North-east, where millions are in overcrowded IDP camps lacking basic services.
Citing figures from SBM intelligence, the group said over 2,000 people were killed in violent incidents across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025, with Borno State recording the highest number of casualties.
“These figures—892 civilians, 462 bandits, and 234 Boko Haram members—reflect the scale of violence and the urgent need for more effective intervention,” the statement added.
NEYM accused the minister of lacking a coherent strategy to tackle insurgency and described the federal government’s response as weak and uninspiring.
“Our soldiers are sent into life-threatening situations without adequate support, equipment, or training. The abandonment of posts is not just about fear, it’s about a system that has failed them,” the group said.