A surviving soldier has recounted the harrowing experience of a Boko Haram attack on their formation, revealing that although over 200 soldiers were initially present, many fled when the terrorists arrived.
Only 36 soldiers, including the base commander, remained to resist the assault. Four of them were beheaded.
“When the GOC came, instead of commending our courage and resilience, he started shouting at us, saying we did not give our best,” the soldier told Daily Trust.
He added that repeated requests for MRAPs and other equipment were ignored, and even senior officers avoided staying in Ngoshe due to insecurity.
“It is not possible for the 36 soldiers that remain to face the terrorists. As I am talking to you now, I am looking for a vehicle that will convey me to Maiduguri… In fact, I am tired of this job,” he said.
The testimony has led to outrage and sorrow across social media, with Nigerians expressing anger at the government’s handling of the insurgency and the neglect of frontline troops.
Azlannnn (@Shaibu_AO) lamented: “You killed my brother. I risked my life, fought back, killed some and arrested others… Yet they were released by the government, and they called them ‘repentant bandits.’ The Government even rehabilitated them, while our military is left unsupported. From this, it’s clear that some northern governors are happy watching our brave gallant men being slaughtered!!! May the souls of our gallant men rest in peace.”
Max Akonde, PhD (@EpiAkonde) reflected on the decline of the Nigerian Army: “This is pathetic. Nigeria’s army was once hailed as one of the best on the continent, if not globally. See where tribal bigotry politics has landed y’all.”
Others voiced despair at the state of the military. Concerned African (@iOccupyNigeria) wrote: “Beheaded? Nigeria don fail. Insurgents are catching soldiers dey behead them? Till junior officers grow liver and reset this whole system, no hope for Nigeria.”
CyberKris (@frankmbama) added: “Better run for your life. At the end of the day, the country is not worth dying for. I have lost 100s of comrades and friends, and yet nothing has changed.”
The comments called for accountability, others urged soldiers to abandon a system they believe has failed them.
Blasé Aboh (@AimLEGEND_) highlighted the financial mismanagement fueling the crisis: “Approx. $150 billion is missing from NNPC coffers. The same amount the Pentagon earmarked to cover the entire range of military needs… These deaths are preventable.”
Meanwhile, voices like @MykelzO04 urged soldiers to prioritise survival: “So sad. Go home and meet your family, my gallant soldier. When politicians are ready for Nigeria to work, they will tell us.”
The incident underscores the deepening crisis of morale within Nigeria’s armed forces, where soldiers on the frontlines feel abandoned, under-equipped, and expendable.
As one commenter (@OmonefeOgboruA) warned, “This trend will increase since the soldiers feel helpless until govt takes notice.”
