Each time the Nigerian Army orders a ‘match-forward’ against the insurgents, that move is often riding on the back of whether they have what it takes to perform the duty or not.
Now, in a revelation that has left many Nigerians shaking their heads in disbelief, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State shook a table.
He publicly declared that the Nigerian Army is woefully under-equipped to combat the insurgency plaguing the Northeast.
According to Zulum, insurgents are leveraging advanced technology, while the army is still relying on equipment that might have been cutting-edge… in the 1980s.
Really, Zulum’s candid assessment paints a picture of an army armed with outdated tools, facing adversaries armed with modern technology.
The governor’s call for the procurement of 32 drones, each costing a staggering \$5.5 million, underscores the dire need for modernisation.
However, the question remains: Will the funds be allocated, or will they disappear into the abyss of bureaucratic inefficiency?
The Procurement Saga: Where Funds Go To Disappear
One of the most damning critiques Zulum offers is the issue of military procurement.
He alleges that funds earmarked for purchasing essential equipment often vanish into the labyrinth of government bureaucracy, with contractors failing to deliver on their promises.
This “contractocracy,” as Zulum terms it, has led to a situation where the military is starved of the necessary tools to fight effectively.
Indeed, the irony is palpable: Funds are allocated, contracts are awarded, but the equipment never materialises.
It’s as if the military is playing a game of hide-and-seek with its own resources.
Insurgents’ Advantage: Technology vs. Tradition
While the Nigerian Army struggles with outdated equipment, insurgents have embraced technology to further their cause.
The disparity in technological capabilities between the two sides is stark.
Also, insurgents are reportedly using advanced technology to outmanoeuvre and overpower the military.
This technological gap highlights the urgent need for the Nigerian Army to modernize its equipment and strategies.
However, as Zulum points out, the procurement process is mired in inefficiency, leaving the army at a disadvantage.
Bureaucratic Bureaucracy: The Real Enemy?
Zulum’s criticism extends beyond the military to the broader governmental structures.
He suggests that the bureaucratic processes within the Ministry of Defence and other agencies are hindering the procurement of necessary equipment.
The convoluted procedures and lack of accountability have created an environment where progress is stifled.
This bureaucratic inertia has led to a situation where the military is ill-equipped to handle the challenges it faces.
The question arises: is the real enemy the insurgents, or is it the bureaucracy that hampers the military’s effectiveness?
Can The Military Modernise?
Zulum’s call for the federal government to prioritize security and remove the politicization of insecurity is a plea for action.
He emphasises the need for sincerity and collaboration between the federal and state governments. He believes the insurgency could be defeated within six months.
However, the path to modernisation is fraught with challenges.
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The procurement process needs to be streamlined, funds must be allocated efficiently, and accountability must be ensured.
Only then can the Nigerian Army hope to bridge the technological gap and effectively combat the insurgency.
A Nation At A Crossroads
The revelations by Governor Zulum serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government. The country’s security apparatus is in dire need of reform and modernisation.
The current state of affairs, characterised by outdated equipment and bureaucratic inefficiency, is untenable.
As Nigerians continue to grapple with insecurity, the question remains: will the government take the necessary steps to modernise the military? Will it continue to be bogged down by bureaucracy and inefficiency?
The answer to this question will determine the future of the nation’s security.
