Insecurity Crisis: Military Families Beg FG – “Stop Sacrificing Our Children”
Date: May 17, 2025
By: Ismaeel Uthman, Umar Sani, Salisu Kabuga, Haruna Usman, Tukur Muntari, John Charles, Chima Azubuike, and Faith Maji
Grief-stricken families of Nigerian soldiers killed in recent attacks have called on the Federal Government to end the bloodshed in the North-East and provide meaningful support for military personnel and their bereaved families.
This appeal comes in the aftermath of a deadly Boko Haram assault on a military base in Marte, Borno State, where five soldiers lost their lives. Although the Defence Headquarters claimed the attack was repelled, eyewitnesses say insurgents looted arms and fled with military vehicles.
Series of Deadly Attacks on Military Bases
Since January, multiple Nigerian military outposts in Borno and Yobe states have suffered heavy assaults by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. In January alone, at least 26 soldiers were reported killed in Sabon Gari and Malam Fatori. Similar attacks in February, March, and May have left many dead, including commanding officers.
Despite military statements minimizing casualties, families and sources on the ground tell a different story.
“No Relative of Mine Will Join the Military” – Widow
A heartbroken widow in Benue State told Saturday PUNCH that her husband died in Borno three months ago. According to her, poor weapons, bad shelters, inadequate salaries, and lack of government support are forcing soldiers to risk—and lose—their lives unnecessarily.
“I’ll never allow any of my relatives to join the military. My husband warned young men never to enlist. He died without compensation, and his children are suffering,” she said.
Similarly, the brother of Kamaludeen Abdullahi, a soldier killed on May 7 in Gwoza, Borno, revealed his family has been left in despair. Kamaludeen had applied for a reposting that was denied shortly before he died.
Military Widows Face Neglect and Poverty
The Military Widows’ Association in Kebbi State disclosed that about 30% of affected families are yet to receive life insurance or death benefits. Coordinator Asma’u Noma lamented that many widows live in hunger, with some regretting marrying into the military.
“No parent will let their son join the military if this continues,” Noma said.
In Kano, another widow of a slain officer said she’s been abandoned with four children and no military support. “If not for relatives, we’d be homeless,” she told Saturday PUNCH.
Panic Among Families of Serving Soldiers
Parents of serving military personnel express fear for their children’s safety, citing poor weaponry and continuous exposure to attacks.
“I live in fear every day,” said Aisha Suleiman, whose son is stationed in Yobe. “Our children are being sacrificed for nothing.”
A father in Borno warned, “These terrorists are better armed. If this continues, the military will lose morale and manpower.”
Experts Urge Tech-Driven Response, Strategic Reform
Retired Brigadier General Yusuf Ladan urged the military to adapt to modern warfare and improve their technological and logistical capabilities.
“The insurgents are likely backed by foreign powers with advanced technology,” he said. “Troops must stay alert and strike first.”
A retired colonel also stressed the urgent need to boost soldier morale, eliminate corruption, and enhance the welfare system for both serving and fallen soldiers’ families.
“Without real reform, our national security is at risk. The time for action is now.”
