The Nigerian Army has debunked allegations being reported in a section of the media that over a 100 Nigerian troops were reported to have absconded after Boko Haram attacks on Marte and Dikwa.
In a press release issued earlier today, Army Public Relations Director, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima, described the publication as false, unfounded and an attempt to malign the image and character of the Nigerian Army.
He however attributed the unfortunate misinformation to an internal correspondence originating from the formation’s routine head count that was not properly done. Yerima explained that, in the fog of war, a routine head count is conducted to determine the number of men and equipment holding aftermath of military offensive. It was later discovered that a good number of those affected rejoined their respective units and are currently part of the ongoing clearance operations.
Yerima therefore advised members of the general public to disregard the story, positing that the subversive intent of the promoters are targeted at dampening the morale and fighting efficiency of our troops, and that the NA continually solicits especially, the much needed public support in the fight against Boko Haram.
The Nigerian Army also reassures 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 IDPs’ Camp and United Nations Humanitarian Hub in Dikwa. It is pertinent to also note that normalcy has returned to Dikwa and its environs.
