Nigerian Soldiers Battling Boko Haram in Borno Reportedly Turn Against Themselves

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Nigerian Soldiers Battling Boko Haram in Borno Reportedly Turn Against Themselves

There is a complete breakdown of order and discipline at the 21 Brigade of the Nigerian Army with soldiers deployed to rout out Boko Haram from the dreaded Sambisa Forest in Borno State turning against their officers and firing gunshots in all directions, according to Premium Times.

People familiar with the matter said the troops complained of mistreatment and then began to shoot indiscriminately, threatening to kill any officer who stands on their way.

“The brigade is based in Bama but is currently deployed at Bula Bello in Sambisa for Operation Rescue Final,” a military insider told a correspondent.

“But suddenly soldiers started mutinying at 6AM today, firing in all directions and threatening to pull out of the operation.

“As some of them fire gunshots, some started preparing vehicles to move out of location. They also warned officers to steer clear or they would be shot dead.

“They are saying their commanders have been treating them badly and telling them lies. As I speak to you, the firing is still going on, and there is confusion everywhere.”

The commander of the Brigade, Col AG Laka, could not immediately be reached to comment on this story. The Nigerian Army is yet to issue a statement on the incident.