The Nigerian Army had reacted to the viral video on social media, where soldiers fighting the Boko Haram terrorists were seen cursing out the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai as MRAP burned in the background.
According to the Army, the patrol troop encountered the terrorists ambush eight kilometers ahead of Buni-Gari in Yobe State. The Operation Lafiya Dole Troops on Patrol encountered multiple improvised explosive devices.
The statement which was released on Wednesday by the Army authority stated that two soldiers died in the attack while three others were injured.
It noted that three Boko Haram terrorists were neutralized while many others escaped with severe injuries.
The Army associated the video to mental distress that occurred as a result of the fog of war. It said the video was recorded by two soldiers who escaped the IED and the terrorist ambush.
It added that the soldiers had been identified, and will undergo observation and counseling. Read the statement below:
“OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE TROOPS ON PATROL ENCOUNTER IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE/TERRORISTS AMBUSH EIGHT KILOMETRES AHEAD OF BUNI-GARI, YOBE STATE
“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 kilometres ahead of Buni-Gari in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe 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. Additionally, a recovery truck, one troop-carrying vehicle, and a water tanker that ran into the IED were destroyed by fire.
“Three terrorists were neutralized while unconfirmed number escaped with various degrees of injury.
“However, due to mental snap/distress occasioned by the 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.
“Although this kind of outburst is expected in war, the soldiers involved have been identified and would undergo observation and counseling. 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 Military High Command commends troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE for their unwavering determination, hard work, and resilience.
