One of the major issues affecting people in Nigeria is lack of security in the country. Although the attention of the world seems to have turned towards the Corona Virus Pandemic, Nigeria soldiers are still faced with the task of confronting insurgents in the North Eastern Region of the country.

The issue of the Boko Haram insurgency has been ravaging our nation for almost two decades. Lives are being lost frequently. The economy and trade in the North Eastern Region have been crumbled and innocent civilians are displaced.

According to the United Nations, more than 27,000 have been killed and 2 million persons displaced due to the violence of these insurgents.

Recently, about 42 Nigerian soldiers were lost to the battle in an ambush on their convoy. The terrorists attacked them near Goneri village in Northern Yobe State. One of such we have recorded in recent times.

It was reported insurgents specifically targeted the convoy by firing Rocket Propelled Grenades at the truck carrying ammunition and explosives. It was indeed…SAD.

So many questions and opinions have surfaced on different platforms since that attack. But, my question is this;

“How did these guys get the intelligence that our troops were moving towards that area?”

Secondly, “Why would such a movement be conducted without air cover?” (full participation of the Nigerian Airforce).

Some statements I read on social media alleged that locals could have acted as informants to the terrorists. Others claimed that there could be moles amongst Nigerian troops.

Honestly, I do not want to subscribe to that assertion that there are moles in the Nigerian troop because the truth is,

“There’s no way such convoy can move without attracting attention”. That’s why I believe the involvement and participation of the air component would have saved the day.

However, social media has been awash about the rivalry between the heads of the army and the airforce. But what should always come to the fore is the fact that lives are involved. All these losses of lives leave behind a trail of widows, orphans, and childless aged parents to bear the brunt. Such preventable deaths could have been averted if the right thing was done.

Again, people have been criticizing the Nigerian military strategies. Some say it’s under-equipped despite billions allocated for defence in the country. They argue the Nigerian army lack the ammunition to fight Boko Haram Insurgency.

The issue of ammunition among Nigerian security agencies lies in the hands of those who are in charge of federal allocations.

During the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, it was alleged that the funds allocated for arms were embezzled by those who were in the position of providing security for citizens in the country.

Do you think it’s still business as usual?

Most of us have seen videos of our troops on battleground telling the world, arms given to them is not suitable to confront the Boko Haram sect.

This was further confirmed by the recent onslaught of Boko Haram Insurgents by Chadian Forces. This recent victory which led to the recovery of thousands of different ammunition is a loss to the Nigerian military and credit to the Chadian soldiers. They went for it and came out victorious!

To be fair, it’s a known fact that Nigerian soldiers are rugged and ready to fight always! However, willpower and spirit have been dampened by several factors.

Chadian Soldiers Shame Nigeria

The Chadian soldiers have helped save the day. They did not only burst the terrorist’s armory and slaughtered them, they rescued Nigerian soldiers who were prisoners and held captive by Boko Haram…Incredible!

A lot of us must have seen videos of Nigerian soldiers dancing and rejoicing when the Chadian army was passing through to lock horns with the terrorist weapon for weapon!

It made us all glad but as we all rejoice, let’s ask ourselves how a small country like Chad made a mockery of us, and yet, we keep deceiving ourselves that we are the giant of Africa.

Nigeria needs to arm and kit our soldiers properly. This would ensure victory in the fight against insurgency. It would also be a huge morale booster for our troops.

Meanwhile,

Hope you’re staying safe?

Stop the Spread and Stay Safe

#COVID-19