The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed deep concern over recent reports indicating that only about 7 percent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment has been released in the 2025 fiscal year.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the party made it known that out of the approved 336.76 billion naira, a mere 16.71 billion naira has reportedly been disbursed while no funds have been released for critical logistics such as transport, aircraft fuel, and military barracks.

The ADC insisted that at a time when Nigeria is grappling with widespread insecurity, this development is not only disturbing but indefensible.  The party describes this as a pattern of rhetoric without corresponding action by the current administration noting that while the government continues to project a tough stance on security, its financial commitments tell a different story.

According to the ADC, this revelation comes amid yet another national tragedy as reports indicate that over 400 women and children abducted in Ngoshe, Borno State, are now the subject of a ₦5 billion ransom demand by Boko Haram.  The party added that the terrorists have reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum, accompanied by a chilling threat that the victims may be dispersed and never seen again if their demands are not met.

The ADC emphasized that this situation reflects the painful reality of Nigeria today—a country where terrorist groups feel emboldened enough to issue ultimatums to the state, and where hundreds of citizens can be held hostage while the military remains underfunded.

The party stated that the connection between inadequate funding and rising insecurity is direct and undeniable, insisting that when only a fraction of allocated security funds is released, and essential logistics such as mobility and fuel are neglected, the outcome is a weakened security apparatus that leaves ordinary Nigerians vulnerable.

The party stressed that expecting military personnel to effectively combat a determined and well-armed enemy without adequate tools and support is unrealistic and is not merely a budgeting oversight but a significant failure of leadership. The party added that the consequences of such decisions are already evident as communities remain exposed to attacks, farmers are unable to return to their fields, and businesses continue to operate under constant threat.

The ADC therefore maintained that security funding must be treated as a primary responsibility of government, adding that budgetary allocations must translate into timely and sufficient releases for equipment, logistics, training, and intelligence operations. The party emphasized that anything less undermines both the morale of the armed forces and the safety of the population.

In conclusion, the party noted that Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of resources but a lack of discipline in prioritizing their use. The party declared their stance in solidarity with the families of those abducted while calling on the federal government to act swiftly and decisively to secure their safe return.

The African Democratic Congress also reiterated its commitment to building a Nigeria where security is not merely promised but adequately funded, effectively managed, and genuinely delivered.