In a recent development, the Nigerian Army has dismissed six soldiers for allegedly fleeing during a Boko Haram attack in Borno State. This incident has raised serious questions about the adequacy of military equipment and support provided to troops on the ground.
The soldiers involved were part of Operation Lafiya Dole, a counterinsurgency operation aimed at combating Boko Haram in the North-East region of Nigeria. According to sources close to the situation, the attack occurred around Damboa, a community in Borno State. Reports suggest that the soldiers, struggling with insufficient ammunition, abandoned their posts during the assault.
The Nigerian Army has yet to confirm the details of the attack or acknowledge the reported casualties. However, it is widely reported that over ten soldiers lost their lives in the confrontation. The dismissed soldiers include:
- 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)
These soldiers were dismissed for their alleged failure to hold their positions during the attack. However, there is significant controversy surrounding this decision. According to a military source who spoke to SaharaReporters, the soldiers’ retreat was a result of running out of ammunition rather than a lack of courage or commitment.
The source criticized the dismissal, arguing that the soldiers were forced to withdraw due to inadequate firepower and insufficient equipment. The lack of proper arms and ammunition reportedly hampered their ability to effectively engage the Boko Haram insurgents. This shortage of resources has been a recurring issue for Nigerian troops, who frequently report being under-equipped for their challenging operations.
The source also pointed out that the deaths of their comrades could be attributed to these equipment shortages and poor support rather than the actions of the dismissed soldiers. The Boko Haram fighters were able to infiltrate the military location during the attack, leading to the casualties and contributing to the soldiers’ decision to retreat.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges within the Nigerian military, including logistical issues and the need for better support for troops engaged in high-risk operations. The dismissal of the soldiers raises important questions about how the Nigerian Army addresses equipment deficiencies and supports its personnel in the field.
As the Nigerian Army continues its fight against Boko Haram, it is crucial to address these underlying issues to ensure that soldiers are adequately prepared and supported in their efforts to combat insurgency.
