Ahmed Jaha, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has revealed that Boko Haram insurgents are now using armed drones to launch attacks on civilians in Borno State.
Speaking during a session on Tuesday, Jaha—who represents Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok under the All Progressives Congress (APC)—was contributing to a motion raised by fellow lawmaker Ahmad Satomi about a recent fire at the Giwa barracks armoury and the rising number of assaults on military installations in Borno and Yobe states.
He expressed deep concern that Boko Haram possesses more advanced weaponry than the Nigerian military. “In part of my constituency, 10 farmers were killed while gathering firewood, five are missing, and three are critically injured,” he said. “In Chibok, 14 farmers were also attacked. Boko Haram is using armed drones—something our military does not have. Let it be on record.”
Jaha warned that the group is regaining strength at an alarming rate and could soon reclaim territory, as it did in the past when it controlled 22 of Borno’s 27 local governments.
He also criticized the lack of adequate personnel and equipment in the Nigerian military, stating that the government cannot afford complacency, especially after spending over ₦19 trillion on defense between 2016 and 2019.
Other lawmakers echoed his concerns. Yusuf Gagdi from Plateau revealed that insurgents have captured more than 40 military tanks and questioned how security could be ensured when national defense assets fall into enemy hands. He called on President Bola Tinubu to hold top military commanders and heads of security agencies accountable.
“Nigerians are being killed across the country daily,” Gagdi said. “While we appreciate the sacrifices of our security forces, someone must be held accountable for equipment falling into the wrong hands.”
He added that if lawmakers fail to demand accountability, they risk losing public trust.
Zainab Gimba, representing Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge, also shared troubling accounts of repeated insurgent attacks in her area.