The Missing Soldiers case has sparked widespread concern after 104 Nigerian Army personnel reportedly disappeared following a deadly terrorist attack on their base in Borno State.
The troops, attached to the 162 Battalion stationed along the Mandara–Buratai Road, have been missing since June 5, when suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a coordinated pre-dawn assault on the military formation.
According to an internal military signal obtained by journalists, the soldiers have now been declared deserters after allegedly abandoning their duty posts and fleeing with their rifles during the attack.
Missing Soldiers Declared Deserters by Army
The leaked military signal, reportedly signed by Lieutenant F.I. Ndubuisi, directed all Nigerian Army formations to arrest any of the affected soldiers found within their jurisdictions and hand them over to the nearest military unit.
The signal also stated that the troops would face disciplinary action under military regulations if apprehended. Reports further claimed that the bank accounts of the missing personnel had been frozen pending their arrest, although the Nigerian Army has not officially confirmed this measure.
ISWAP Attack Triggered the Missing Soldiers Crisis
The disappearance occurred after heavily armed ISWAP insurgents reportedly attacked the military base under the cover of darkness and adverse weather conditions.
The terrorists were said to have overwhelmed parts of the battalion during the surprise assault, leading to fierce gun battles. Preliminary reports indicated that at least eight security personnel, including soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries.
Military sources said the chaotic nature of the attack made it difficult to immediately account for all personnel, resulting in the current investigation into the whereabouts of the Missing Soldiers.
Breakdown of the Missing Soldiers
According to the leaked signal, the 104 missing troops comprise:
- One Staff Sergeant
- Three Sergeants
- Seven Corporals
- Thirty-eight Lance Corporals
- Fifty-five Privates
The document reportedly contains the names, ranks and service numbers of all the affected personnel, though military authorities have yet to authenticate it publicly.
Nigerian Army Yet to Confirm Reports
The Nigerian Army has not officially confirmed reports declaring the soldiers deserters or the alleged nationwide directive for their arrest.
Efforts by media organisations to obtain comments from Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele were reportedly unsuccessful as of the time of filing the reports.
Security Concerns Grow Over Missing Soldiers
The disappearance of more than 100 armed troops has intensified concerns over the security situation in Nigeria’s North-East and the ongoing fight against insurgent groups.
Security analysts say the incident raises questions about troop morale, battlefield accountability and operational challenges confronting military forces battling terrorism in the region.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue into the fate of the Missing Soldiers.
