Boko Haram: Disquiet In the Military, Generals To Go

By Fola James

The past few days has been a very challenging one for the Nigerian Army in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

As a result, the DHQ has now drawn up a plan that will see some top military officers either retired or moved from their current positions.

The situation in the military is very tense, a source in DHQ told the magazine.

Just three days ago, Maj. General Segun Adeniyi revealed in a viral video that the insurgents possessed more weapons capability than his troops.

Two days after, Adeniyi has now been removed as the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole.

He was replaced by Maj. General Faruq Yahaya.

Other top commanders and GOC have also been redeployed according to thecshake up announced by DHQ on Tuesday.

Adeniyi’s removal came amidst last week’s casualties suffered by the Nigerian Army in the hands of the insurgents.

Over 40 soldiers were killed in that incident after Boko Haram ambushed some troops in Borno, the epicentre of war against insurgency in the north east.

It was learnt that the DHQ is not happy with the current development, particularly, the Gen. Adeniyi video, where he said his troops lack weapons to fight.

The General also lamented failed intelligence on the part of the Nigerians troops, this he said has been responsible for consistent casualties his troops suffered in the hands of the insurgents.

Apart from Adeniyi, some commanders and General Officer Commanding, GOC have now been moved to new areas.

“This is to strengthen the fight against Boko Haram and reinvigorise the troops,” a senior Army commander in Borno told the magazine on Wednesday.

The Nigerian Army has in recent times suffered huge losses in the fight against Boko Haram due to lack of intelligence, sufficient weaponry to match the insurgents and neglect of troop welfare, analysts say.