The reason two crying Nigerian soldiers rained curses on the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai has now emerged.
Recall that a video emerged on social media showing two visibly distressed soldiers crying and cursing the chief over the harsh conditions of the battlefield.
Watch the video:
The soldier who was bold enough to show his face was heard saying things will not be well with Buratai because after the Boko Haram terrorists have wreaked havoc and gone, only then will the army send fighter jets.
Army leadership reacts
The army leadership has confirmed the veracity of the footage, saying it is recent and authentic.
The Defence Headquarters revealed that the troops ran into “Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)” planted by the Boko Haram insurgents.
The ambush which occurred near Buni Gardi, in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State on May 18, 2020 left two soldiers dead and three others injured.
“Additionally, a recovery truck, one troops carrying vehicle and a water tanker that ran into the IED were destroyed by fire. Three terrorists were neutralized while an unconfirmed number escaped with various degrees of injury.”
The statement added that “due to mental snap/distress occasioned by fog of war, two of the soldiers who escaped the IED and terrorists’ ambush recorded the incident with uncomplimentary remarks about the Nigerian Army and her leadership, which was released on social media.
“Although this kind of outburst is expected in war, the soldiers involved have been identified and would undergo observation and counselling.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will remain unwavering in its quest to end terrorism and will do everything possible to ensure there is no repeat of this kind of traumatic incident/outburst,” the statement added.
The war against Boko Haram has been ongoing for over a decade now. It has led to the loss of thousands of lives while the financial cost is in billions.
Recently, the Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified their offensive against the terrorist group.
In response, they have resorted to launching attacks on soft targets and planting explosive devices.