JUST-IN: Army dismisses six soldiers for fleeing Borno during Boko Haram attack

The Nigerian Army has dismissed six soldiers from its service for allegedly fleeing from the scene of a Boko Haram attack, military sources told News360 Nigeria.

The soldiers, who were part of the counterinsurgency operation in the North-East known as Operation Lafiya Dole, reportedly fled from the scene of a Boko Haram attack in Damboa, Borno State, earlier this month.

One of the sources added that over ten soldiers were killed during the attack. However, the Nigerian Army has yet to confirm the attack or acknowledge any casualties.

The source who spoke to News360 Nigeria said the six soldiers were dismissed for withdrawing from the war front

Those affected are 19NA/78/0690 PTE OLANIYI EMMANUEL, 20NA/79/3745 PTE MASA’UDU ADAMU, 22NA/82/5192 PTE ABDUL AZEE SALEH, 22NA/82/ 1721 PTE MOHAMMED MOHAMMED, 22NA/82/1191 PTE ADAH TOYE and 22NA/82/1909 PTE HASSAN ABUBAKAR.

The source, however, described the punishment meted out on his colleagues as not right, arguing that they left the battlefield after running out of ammunition during the fight with the terrorists.

According to the source, sufficient arms and ammunition were not provided for them to fight Boko Haram terrorists; therefore, they soon ran out of ammunition.

Nigerian soldiers on the battle field often complain about being under equipped to face Boko Haram insurgents.

He also blamed the death of those killed on poor firepower and inadequate equipment to combat the insurgents.

“Boko Haram successfully infiltrated into our location during the month and caused KIA and WIA. So some of our colleagues fled during the battle and were all charged and dismissed for not retaliating,” he added.