•Confirms two soldiers killed, others injured in terrorists ambush in Yobe
Godsgift Onyedinefu
The Nigerian military authorities have disclosed that the soldiers who recorded the viral video expressing displeasure with the Nigerian Army leadership in the prosecution of the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), will undergo counselling.
This unprecedented announcement, marked the first time the Defence Headquarters is openly admitting the devastating effect of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) amongst its war-fighting troops in North East Nigeria.
The Coordinator of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj-Gen. John Enenche, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday night.
Enenche stated 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 the social media”.
According to him, such “outburst is expected in war, the soldiers involved have been identified and would undergo observation and counselling”.
Here is the viral video:
Speaking further, Enenche also confirmed that two soldiers were killed while others sustained injuries, in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), explosion, during an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The coordinator explained that the troops of Combat Team 1, Operation Kantana Jimlan on long range admin patrol along Buni Yadi – Buni Gari axis encountered multiple Improvised Explosive Devices and Boko Haram Terrorists’ ambush, eight kilometers ahead of Buni-Gari in the State on the 18 of May 2020.
“Two soldiers paid the supreme price and three other soldiers sustained injuries as a result of the IED explosion. Three terrorists were killed while an uncomfirmed number escaped with various degrees of injury,” he said.
He said a recovery truck, one troops carrying vehicle and a water tanker that ran into the IED were destroyed by fire.
