Nigerian Army Declares 43 Soldiers Wanted For Desertion In Borno State.
The Nigerian Army has declared 43 soldiers wanted for desertion following their unauthorised absence from duties in Borno State, where they were assigned to combat Boko Haram insurgents. The soldiers, drawn from various units across the country, were posted to the 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga, a community that has faced repeated attacks by insurgents.
According to a military statement signed by Major HO Akoh, acting on behalf of the 403 Amphibious Brigade Commander, the soldiers were directed to report back to their unit by 31 October 2024. However, they have remained absent a month beyond the specified date without official notice. The statement, from the army official X account , outlined that their bank accounts have been frozen as a disciplinary measure, and the soldiers now face serious repercussions if apprehended.
Army formations across Nigeria have been notified to monitor their areas closely for any sightings of the wanted soldiers, ensuring they are swiftly detained and escorted back to the unit under military guard for disciplinary action.
The statement, dated 1 November, highlighted the official procedure: “Following directives in Reference A, the listed soldiers were posted from their original units to this formation. Despite a follow-up reminder, they have failed to report for duty, thereby breaching military conduct. Effective from 1 November 2024, they are now considered AWOL (Absent Without Leave).”
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline and accountability within its ranks, particularly as it intensifies efforts to tackle Boko Haram in Borno State and surrounding regions.
