Boko Haram Fighters Not Better Equipped Than Nigerian Troops

The Nigerian Army has described as propaganda and psychological warfare against the Nigerian Troops, claims that the ragtag Boko Haram fighters are better equipped than Nigerian soldiers.

In a statement, Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Army Spokesperson, accused some misguided elements in the society of waging psychological warfare against it, while also addressing various issues and concerns about the ongoing counter-insurgency war in Nigeria’s north east.

Usman, who criticised those who politicize the ongoing counter terrorism war against insurgency, said military issues are not all comers’ affairs.

Usman noted that most of the false allegations being levelled against the army were based on selfish and mostly political reasons by unpatriotic elements.

“Unfortunately, the psychological attacks are not being waged against the Nigerian army by the Boko Haram terrorists alone, but also by some misguided elements both within and out of the country.’’

“In spite of extant rules, these groups of persons discuss highly classified military issues which they are mostly ignorant about on various media platforms.

“Indeed, those who should know better are the ones perpetrating these acts.

“The psychological effects of spreading misinformation and fake news are grievous and inimical to national security and should not be allowed to continue.’’ he said.

He said military equipment and welfare were known issues in the Nigerian army but that when such problems were observed, “appropriate steps are taken to remedy them.’’

The army spokesman noted that some individuals and groups in and outside Nigeria have been making false claims and allegations that Boko Haram terrorists were better equipped than the Armed Forces Nigeria.

He said: “Nothing can be further from the truth as the armed forces of Nigeria have universally accepted doctrines, better trained, equipped and well motivated.

“Therefore, there is no basis for comparison between the Nigerian soldier and the Boko Haram terrorists.’’

Usman said the recent attacks on troops by the terrorists were not as a result of superior arms or equipment.

Rather, he said, it was due to the use of psychological weapon “which is as good as any lethal weapons.’’

“The psychological attacks have been further aggravated by some unpatriotic elements in the society that take joy and pride in propagating such falsehoods.

“It is surprising that some Nigerians, for whatever mundane reasons, would compare a group of confused and misguided elements operating under the influence of drugs and warped ideologies to Nigerian army troops.

“It will be necessary to observe that unlike the Nigerian army, the terrorists live amongst the populace and used that opportunity to spread their propaganda.

“Nigerian army fights according to set down Rule of Engagement, while the Boko Haram terrorists do not.

“Also, while the Nigerian army seeks to protect lives and properties, the renegades seek to destroy same,’’ he said.