The Nigerian Army has taken disciplinary action against six soldiers, dismissing them from service for allegedly fleeing from the scene of a Boko Haram attack in Damboa, Borno State.
The soldiers, attached to Operation Lafiya Dole, were said to have withdrawn from the war front after running out of ammunition during the fight against the insurgents.
According to military sources, the dismissed soldiers are:
- PTE OLANIYI EMMANUEL (19NA/78/0690)
- PTE MASA’UDU ADAMU (20NA/79/3745)
- PTE ABDUL AZEE SALEH (22NA/82/5192)
- PTE MOHAMMED MOHAMMED (22NA/82/1721)
- PTE ADAH TOYE (22NA/82/1191)
- PTE HASSAN ABUBAKAR (22NA/82/1909)
A source within the military has come forward to describe the punishment as unfair, stating that the soldiers fled due to a lack of ammunition and inadequate equipment to combat the insurgents effectively.
The source blamed the death of over 10 soldiers on poor firepower and inadequate equipment, highlighting the long-standing issue of insufficient resources for troops fighting Boko Haram.
The source explained that the soldiers were forced to retreat after exhausting their ammunition, leaving them vulnerable to the enemy.
This incident has brought to light the recurring issue of inadequate equipment and resources for Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram. Despite repeated claims of military victories, troops on the ground continue to face significant challenges in combating the insurgents due to insufficient firepower and equipment.
The Nigerian Army has yet to confirm the attack or acknowledge casualties, further fueling concerns about transparency and accountability within the military.
