The Nigerian Army on Thursday made clarification on media reports that 101 soldiers absconded from the Northeast war zone after Boko Haram fighters attacked Marte and Dikwa local governments in Borno state.
Army spokesperson, Brig.-General Yerima, said in a statement the report was due a “faulty internal correspondence” leaked to the media.
The Theater Command of Operation Lafiya Dole, the military operation that coordinates the war in the Northeast, had in a correspondence to units and formations declared 101 personnel, comprising 12 officers and 89 soldiers, wanted and directed that their bank accounts be frozen, for fleeing the war zone.
The command also notified and ordered various military formations to apprehend and deliver any of the soldiers found in their areas of responsibilities.
But Yerima said the internal correspondence that was originated by the formation was not properly done, as “it was later discovered that a good number of those affected rejoined their respective units and are currently part of the ongoing clearance operations.”
He said: “Members of the general public are advised to disregard the story as the subversive intent of the promoters are targeted at dampening the morale and fighting efficiency of our troops.
“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.”
