By Ezekiel Sunday
The North-East Youth Revival Movement (NEYM) has voiced deep grief and growing anger following a brutal Boko Haram attack on a military base in Marte, Borno State, which claimed the lives of five soldiers.
In a statement issued by the group’s Chairman, Abbarious Lawal, NEYM condemned the attack and held the leadership of Nigeria’s defense sector accountable for the persistent insecurity ravaging the North-East. The group demanded the immediate resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar, citing glaring failures in strategy, preparation, and military support.
“In light of this devastating event, we hereby call for the immediate resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar,” Lawal said. “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 group recounted that the attack on the forward operating base saw Boko Haram insurgents overwhelm the stationed troops, loot weapons, and seize military vehicles. The chaos reportedly left soldiers demoralized, some abandoning their posts and fleeing to nearby villages.
“This alarming behavior illustrates a critical crisis of confidence within our military ranks,” NEYM stated. “The harrowing sight of a commanding officer’s vehicle, along with essential military resources, falling into the hands of insurgents further compromises our operational capacity and undermines morale.”
Beyond the military implications, the group drew attention to the attack’s impact on civilians. Fearful residents of Marte and surrounding areas have fled to safer towns such as Dikwa, Lukumani, and Mafa. NEYM warned that the ongoing displacement is worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region, with overcrowded IDP camps now overwhelmed and under-resourced.
According to a report by SBM Intelligence, more than 2,000 Nigerians were killed in violent incidents across the country between January and March 2025. Borno State recorded the highest death toll, including 892 civilians, 462 bandits, and 234 Boko Haram insurgents.
“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 statement emphasized. “The perception of incompetence in handling the escalating insecurity in the region is not unfounded.”
NEYM criticized the federal government’s counterinsurgency approach, citing a lack of strategic planning, inadequate resources, and poor community engagement. The group stressed that troop withdrawals and desertions stem from systemic failures, not individual cowardice.
“Our soldiers are often thrust into perilous situations without adequate training, equipment, or support,” the group said. “It is essential to address the root causes of this crisis—such as inadequate funding, lack of morale, and insufficient strategic planning.”
Concluding its statement, NEYM called for immediate reforms and accountability at the highest levels of Nigeria’s defense sector.
“The call for the resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar is a reflection of deep-seated frustration with the status quo and a demand for meaningful change,” the group declared. “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,” NEYM concluded.
Middle-Belt Times 