Dying in Uniform, Betrayed by the System: Why the Nigerian Military Must Be Audited Now
The Nigerian military’s ongoing battle against insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP has been marked by significant challenges, including inadequate equipment and strategic vulnerabilities. These issues have led to substantial casualties among soldiers and have compromised the security of military installations.
Military Casualties and Base Attacks
Are we going to keep pretending that we do not know things are not adding up? Is it until all our soldiers are buried before we start asking serious questions?
Over the years, Boko Haram and ISWAP have launched several successful attacks on Nigerian military bases. Our troops—brave men and women—are dying in silence while the top brass issues press statements filled with excuses and recycled promises.
Here are 10 shocking incidents that should make any serious country ask, “Where is the money going?”
- le Massacre – November 2018
Over 100 soldiers were killed when Boko Haram attacked the 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State. Survivors said they had outdated weapons while the enemy came fully armed.
- Baga Attack – December 2018
ISWAP militants attacked Baga town and overran the Naval base. Many soldiers fled into the bushes. Till today, some are still listed as missing.
- Gorgi Ambush – March 2020
Many soldiers were killed when insurgents ambushed a convoy near Gorgi, Borno. Soldiers were lured into a trap. Again, the story was “we weren’t well informed.”
- Mainok Base Attack – April 2021
The insurgents disguised themselves in military uniforms, drove into the Mainok base with a gun truck and killed many soldiers. They also carted away heavy artillery.
- Monguno and Maiduguri Attacks – June 2020
Boko Haram launched simultaneous attacks in two major cities. Several soldiers were killed and wounded. We saw videos of soldiers lamenting—some had no ammunition!
- Marte Base Overrun – January 2021 & again in May 2025
This base has been captured multiple times. Each time, soldiers retreat, only to return weeks later. How do you lose the same ground twice in a few years?
- Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Attack – August 2021
This was the most embarrassing. Gunmen walked into the NDA in Kaduna, killed 2 officers, and abducted Major Christopher Datong, who was later killed. If NDA is not safe, who is?
- Askira Uba Clash – November 2021
Brave Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and 3 soldiers were killed in a firefight with ISWAP. He had gone to support troops under attack. A general, on the front line—gone.
- Damboa Attack – June 2022
Multiple reports said over 20 soldiers were killed, and civilians were caught in the crossfire. Yet no clear explanation was given. Just one more buried headline.
- The Death of Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali – November 2016
This man was a national hero—feared by Boko Haram. But he was killed in an ambush near Mallam Fatori. Nigerians mourned. Speeches were made. But the rot continued.
So Who Is Being Held Responsible?
Are we saying no one is responsible for these repeated failures? Are we saying no one is asking why the same bases are attacked over and over again?
Let’s not deceive ourselves—soldiers have repeatedly complained about:
- Lack of ammunition
- Expired rations
- Delayed or poor remuneration
- No compensation for families of the fallen
These are not rumors. Some have done video recordings from the trenches. Others have spoken anonymously to the press. And yet—no head has rolled!
💰 Military Spending and Lack of Accountability
Between 2016 and 2022, Nigeria allocated over $19.9 billion to security, with the military budget peaking at $4.5 billion in 2021. Despite these substantial investments, the effectiveness of military operations remains questionable. Analysts have pointed out that increased military spending has not translated into improved security for Nigerians. Furthermore, the opaque nature of defense budgeting and procurement processes has facilitated corruption and waste, undermining the military’s capacity to address security challenges effectively.
Welfare of Soldiers and Their Families
The welfare of Nigerian soldiers and their families has been a growing concern. Reports indicate that many soldiers endure meager salaries and poor welfare conditions despite the high risks and demands of their job. Additionally, families of fallen soldiers often face delays in receiving insurance benefits, with some widows still awaiting payments years after their spouses’ deaths. These issues contribute to low morale among troops and highlight the need for systemic reforms to ensure adequate support for military personnel and their families.
Enough Is Enough: We Demand an Independent Audit
Despite the billions of naira allocated to Nigeria’s defense sector, our soldiers continue to die in droves while top officials cruise around in bulletproof SUVs and sign off bloated budgets with little to no scrutiny. This is no longer just a financial matter—it is a moral one.
How can we justify this hemorrhage of lives and resources without accountability? How many more bases must be overrun? How many more brave men must be buried before we ask: “Where is the money going?”
There must be a full, transparent, and independent audit of military spending—not by the Senate or House of Assembly (who are often part of the same corrupt system), but by credible external auditors with no vested interest in cover-ups.
This is about more than naira and kobo. It is about:
- Honoring the memory of fallen heroes
- Demanding justice for neglected widows and orphans
- Restoring public trust in the military
- Preventing another generation from being sacrificed on the altar of mismanagement
Nigerians must rise with one voice. We must insist on accountability. We must demand that those who failed our soldiers and our people be held responsible. The world is watching. And so are we.
The time for silence is over. The time for action is now.
Let it be known:
The blood of our soldiers will not be shed in vain.
Osoria Asibor