Boko Haram: Outrage As Nigerian Army Reportedly Ban Some Soldiers From Going On Leave To See Family Members

A memo reportedly issued by the Nigerian Army has caused outrage as it banned some selected soldiers from leaving their camp to visit family members.

The memo allegedly addressed to the gallant soldiers attached to the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, forbids the soldiers from going on annual leave and passes.

Naija News understands that military men are usually granted a leave/pass to be away from their unit for a limited period, either to visit their family members or for personal engagements.

However, while most soldiers and officers deployed from across the country in Operation Hadin Kai are expected to travel hundreds of kilometres when on a pass to go and see their families, a signal dated October 30, 2022, reportedly signed by one Col SO Bello, has forbidden them from doing so.

The internal memo reportedly obtained by SaharaReporters said the army said the ban was for the soldiers to prepare adequately for Operation Desert Sanity 11.

“JTF (NE) OP Hadin Kai. Ban on leave and passes. I am directed to respectfully convey subj wef date to enable fmns/units under command frep adequately for OP desert sanity 11,” the memo reportedly said.

Some soldiers interviewed by the news platform expressed their dissatisfaction with the development, saying they have been treated like they are not humans.

“This very signal was originated within the 7 Division, Maiduguri for their selfish interest and to punish the soldiers. We doubt if the Army headquarters is aware of this,” a soldier reportedly said.

“Imagine, we soldiers are being treated like slaves in the bush, some of us for over five to six months have been here without seeing our families in the barracks, and now the present GOC 7 Div Maiduguri raise this signal that no leave and passes. Please, who does that? Hasn’t he been seeing his family members?

“Leave and passes are part of our welfare, and that will enable us to travel and see our loved ones. We kindly appeal to the Chief of Army Staff to wade into this. We are also human beings, the terrain isn’t so friendly to stay more than three months without seeing our family members,” another soldier expressed.