The Nigerian Army has debunked reports of 89 soldiers and 12 of its officials deserting from the battlefield in Borno State.
It said the personnel, who were ‘missing’ from the battlefield have returned to base.
Army spokesman, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, made the clarification in a statement on Thursday.
Recall that a total of 12 officers and 89 soldiers were declared wanted by the Army for ‘deserting’ the war front in Borno State, and that the bank accounts of the affected officers had been frozen by the army authorities.
It was also gathered that the soldiers fled after Boko Haram insurgents attacked Marte and Dikwa communities in Borno, killing scores of their colleagues.
The statement from the Army reads, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a publication in a section of the media alleging that over 100 Nigerian troops were reported to have absconded after Boko Haram attacks on Marte and Dikwa. This publication is false, unfounded and an attempt to malign the image and character of the Nigerian Army.
“For the records, in the fog of war, it is a routine that headcount is conducted to determine the number of men and equipment holding aftermath of the 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.
“Members of the general public are please advised to disregard the story as the subversive intent of the promoters are targeted at dampening the morale and fighting efficiency of our troops. We continually solicit especially the much needed public support in the fight against Boko Haram.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to reassure the general public that troops are in high spirit and currently clearing areas infiltrated by Boko Haram terrorists/ISWAP. It is on record that the troops fought to defend the Internally Displaced Persons Camp and United Nations Humanitarian Hub in Dikwa. It is pertinent to also note that normalcy has returned to Dikwa and its environs.”
