Nigerian Soldiers Decry Two-Year Deployment Without Rotation, poor conditions, Say Morale Is Low

Nigerian soldiers deployed under Operation Fansan Yamma in the North West have raised concerns over their prolonged deployment without rotation, stating that their morale has significantly declined.

The troops, initially assigned for six months, have now spent two years and six months at the frontline without returning home. According to the soldiers, the military continues to delay their redeployment, citing a lack of funds.

One of the affected soldiers lamented the situation, stating:

“We were supposed to spend just six months here, but after arriving, the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, extended it to two years. Now, we are far overdue for rotation, yet there is no plan to change us.”

The deployment, covering Katsina and Zamfara states, has left many soldiers feeling exhausted and demoralized. Families of the troops are also frustrated, as they have not seen their loved ones for over two years.

“Our families are desperate to see us, but they refuse to rotate us. This has weakened our morale. We are just fighting to survive,” another soldier added.

The soldiers accused the military of double standards, pointing out that troops deployed to Maiduguri, Borno State, after them have already been replaced.

“There are soldiers who went to Maiduguri three months after us, and they have been changed, but our situation remains ignored,” one soldier stated.

They also criticized the failure to grant leave passes, explaining that they are entitled to a two-week break every three months, yet have been denied this for over two years.

“We are supposed to have a 14-day pass after every 90 days, but for two years and six months, we have been here without any break.”

The soldiers are now calling on authorities to intervene and ensure their rotation is facilitated. They urge the military to prioritize their welfare, as prolonged deployment has left them physically and mentally drained.