Insecurity: Families of military personnel ask Federal Government to stop sacrificing their children

Family members of military men killed in recent fights against militants in the North-East have mourned their loss, imploring the government to put an end to the slaughter in the region.

The relatives, who spoke with news correspondents separately, also urged the Federal Government to show genuine commitment to fighting the insurgency by providing adequate arms and ammunition, improving military personnel’s welfare, and caring for the families of fallen soldiers.

The relatives spoke in the aftermath of Monday’s attack on a military base in Marte, Borno State, which killed five troops.

Recall that Boko Haram insurgents had invaded the Forward Operating Base in the early hours of the day, overwhelming the soldiers on duty, looting weapons, and fleeing in military vehicles.

Several military sources told newsmen that some soldiers who witnessed the attack left their posts and returned to their hometowns.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, in a statement on Friday, said, “Troops of the AFN in Marte came under attack on Monday, 12 May 2025, around 3am.

“However, the troops were able to repel the terrorists after a fierce gun battle, with a large number of terrorists neutralised while others escaped with bullet wounds.”

There has been multiple attacks on military bases across Borno and Yobe states. The defence headquarters confirmed an attack earlier in January that killed soldiers and another attack on January, another in February , March and the most recent one.

Widows express neglect

Widows across the affected states have expressed neglect over the situation. The widow, who said the military had ordered her and others not to speak to the media, said her husband was killed in Borno around three months ago during one of the attacks on military bases.

“Because of what my husband went through, I will not encourage anyone close to me to join the military again. The soldiers were facing terrorists without proper weapons and other necessities. They lacked decent shelter and food. Their salary is also poor. The government is wasting the lives of innocent people fighting the terrorists,” she said.