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General News of Thursday, 4 March 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Three majors, three captains among the 101 soldiers who fled Boko Haram attacks in Borno

The ranks of members of the Nigerian military that fleed Boko Haram attacks in New Marte and Dikwa towns in Borno State have been disclosed.

Premium Times reports that three majors, three captains, six lieutenants, and three sergeants were among those who ran for their lives during the attacks.

The Nigerian military has declared the officers missing, ordering a freeze on their bank account until they report to base or are brought "under military escort to this Headquarters".

The recent development has cast a shadow on the fight against insurgence.

It would be recalled that Boko Haram fighters had dislodged Nigerian troops in Marte on February 14, prompting the troops to relocate to Dikwa, Daily Trust reports.

The insurgents reportedly foisted their flags at Marte area after killing seven troops of the 153rd Task Force Battalion.

Thereafter, the terrorists waged another war against the troops in Dikwa on February 19 but were repelled.

Meanwhile, The leader of the secessionist group, Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has urged the 101 soldiers to join the ESN.

This advice was made in a live telecast on Wednesday, March 4, 2021. He said the attackers, who are burning and destroying police stations were avenging airstrikes by the military on the South East in February.

He noted that the ESN's doors were open to such soldiers.

Kanu said, “Sometimes I wonder, how can you come from the East, West and Middle Belt, and you are in the army? And they used you to go and fight the bandits so that you can be killed.

“Today, soldiers are leaving and they have ordered for their arrest for leaving the army. And I am telling all these soldiers to go and join the Eastern Security Network. Today, we have all these unknown gunmen; they have been avenging for us and if you come and kill us, they will avenge for us.”