A June 3 report quoted one of the soldiers fighting terrorism in Borno State as saying: “Soldiers in the frontline are not finding it easy. The allowances given to us are very poor. We expect that if the insurgency war started in 2014, by now, there should be increment in allowances so as to boost our morale. But what do we get? What do our families gain if we die?”
The lament continued: “Boko Haram strikes every moment and they can still strike our bases. If any soldier dies, who takes care of his family? Who sends his children to school? I believe the allowances given to us should be reviewed.”
Some other soldiers serving in the North-East theatre of terror echoed the complaint, saying their Ration Cash Allowance had become “grossly inadequate.” The troops are paid N30, 000 monthly.
When terrorism fighters complain about poor pay, resulting in low morale, it suggests that the war on terror might not end soon. Unmotivated soldiers can’t be expected to win a war quickly. Perhaps this is why the war has dragged on.
The situation is compounded by the case of scores of soldiers declared missing, following terrorist attacks on army bases in Metele and Baga, Borno State. In November 2018, Islamic State West African Province terrorists had attacked the military base in Metele, northern Borno, belonging to the 157 Battalion. The army had confirmed the death of 23 soldiers, while 37 soldiers were injured. Many soldiers were missing after the attack; they are believed to have been abducted by the terrorists.
In December 2018, terrorists also attacked Baga, which is the headquarters of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF). They are said to have abducted a large number of soldiers.
Over six months after the said mass abduction of soldiers, the MNJTF explained that its operation, Yancin Takfi, “is progressing steadily and is committed to rescuing all personnel who were declared missing in action.”
It is unclear whether the missing soldiers are still alive. It is clear that the soldiers fighting terrorism are exposed to danger daily. The soldiers who called for a review of their allowances must know what they are talking about. It is said that no one knows where the shoe pinches, but he who wears it.
The authorities should treat the complaints by the front-line troops with seriousness, and demonstrate that the country is serious about winning the war on terror.
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