The Nigerian Army has denied claims making the rounds in the media alleging that over 100 Nigerian troops were reported to have absconded after Boko Haram attacks on Marte and Dikwa.
Army Public Relations Director Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima stated that “the publication is false, unfounded and an attempt to malign the image and character of the Nigerian Army.”
He further explained that an error emerged from internal memo during a head count before soldiers who retreated rejoined their various units.
“…it is a routine that head count is conducted to determine the number of men and equipment holding aftermath of military offensive. Unfortunately, an internal correspondence that was originated by the formation was not properly done. It was later discovered that a good number of those affected rejoined their respective units and are currently part of the ongoing clearance operations.”
He reassures the general public and urged citizens to “disregard the story as the subversive intent of the promoters at dampening the morale and fighting efficiency of our troops.”
Troops restored normalcy after fending off, neutralising and fighting to defend the Internally Displaced Persons Camp and United Nations Humanitarian Hub in Dikwa.
Read also: https://newscentral.africa/nigeria-military-arrests-boko-harams-ieds-maker-in-north-east/
In another development, Bello Useni, a newly recruited soldier on his first posting with the Nigerian army school of armour in Bauchi, has committed. The army private shot himself in the stomach at his duty post, Obienu barracks in Bauchi State, North East Nigeria. There has been no explanation for the soldier’s action.