The Missing Soldiers case has triggered fresh concerns over Nigeria’s fight against insurgency after 104 Nigerian Army personnel reportedly vanished following a deadly terrorist attack on a military base in Borno State.
The soldiers, serving with the 162 Battalion along the Mandara–Buratai Road, have been unaccounted for since June 5, when suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters launched a surprise assault on the formation.
An internal military communication reportedly circulated across Army formations has since classified the personnel as deserters and ordered their immediate arrest if found anywhere in the country.
Missing Soldiers Prompt Nationwide Search
According to the leaked military signal, commanders across Nigeria have been directed to apprehend any of the Missing Soldiers and transfer them to the nearest military authority for further action.
The document, reportedly signed by Lieutenant F.I. Ndubuisi, alleged that the troops abandoned their duty posts and fled with their assigned weapons during the attack.
The signal also claimed that administrative measures had been initiated against the missing personnel, including the suspension of their salaries and restrictions on their bank accounts pending further investigation. However, the Nigerian Army has yet to officially verify these claims.
Terror Attack Left Military Base in Disarray
The incident occurred when heavily armed ISWAP insurgents reportedly stormed the military base before dawn, taking advantage of poor visibility caused by heavy rainfall.
Security sources said the attackers engaged troops in an intense gun battle that left several casualties. Reports indicate that at least eight security personnel, including soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were killed, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The confusion during and after the attack reportedly made it difficult for commanders to immediately determine the whereabouts of all personnel, leading to the ongoing search for the Missing Soldiers.
Breakdown of the Missing Soldiers
The reported list of the missing troops includes:
- 1 Staff Sergeant
- 3 Sergeants
- 7 Corporals
- 38 Lance Corporals
- 55 Privates
The leaked signal allegedly contains the names and service numbers of all 104 personnel, although the Army has not publicly authenticated the document.
Army Yet to Issue Official Response
Despite widespread media reports, the Nigerian Army has not released an official statement confirming that the soldiers have been declared deserters.
Attempts by journalists to obtain comments from Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele reportedly received no response at the time the reports were published.
Missing Soldiers Raise Fresh Questions on Counter-Insurgency Efforts
The disappearance of more than 100 armed military personnel has intensified concerns about the security situation in Nigeria’s North-East, where troops continue to battle insurgent groups.
Defence analysts say the incident underscores the operational challenges facing the military and highlights the need for greater accountability and improved support for frontline troops.
As investigations continue, the fate of the Missing Soldiers remains unclear, with authorities yet to provide an official account of what happened following the Borno attack.
