100 soldiers who desert Army after ISWAP attacks yet to return

By Omolade Adegbuyi

No fewer than 100 soldiers who deserted the Nigerian Army following attacks by the Islamic State of West Africa, [ISWAP] are yet to return to the Army.

The Army had said they they would be declared wanted if they fail to return.

The soldiers had deserted the Army with their service weapons.

Under the Army internal laws, soldiers who desert face severe consequences.

The Army has already sent signals calling for the arrest of the deserters.

The soldiers deserted following attack by ISWAP fighters

The Nigerian Army actually put the number at 104 soldiers from the 162 Amphibious Battalion.

They were said to be missing after a midnight raid by ISWAP terrorists who had invaded their camp located along the Mandara-Buratai Road in Borno State.

Some soldiers were said to have lost their lives after the insurgents opened fire on the Army base in early June.

Since the attack, the 104 soldiers have not been found.

Security sources said the soldiers appear not ready to serve the country and may have deserted.

Sahara Reporters had published the list of the 104 soldiers.

Sahara Reporters quoted a signal signed by a lieutenant, FI Ndubuisi which stated that the soldiers “absconded from their place of deployment to an unknown destination” with their personal weapons after Boko Haram or ISWAP terrorists attacked their base.”

The statement noted further that “In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully affirm to you that said soldiers are yet to report back for duty and are hereby declared deserter(s).”