TDA restricted Nigerian Army document has revealed that 104 soldiers from the 162 Amphibious Battalion in Borno State have been declared missing following a brutal Boko Haram attack on June 5, 2026.
The soldiers, now officially listed as deserters, vanished after insurgents stormed their base in the early hours of the morning.
Details of the Attack
- Date & Time: June 5, 2026, at approximately 4 a.m.
- Location: 162 Amphibious Battalion base, Mandara–Buratai Road, Borno State
- Casualties: At least 8 soldiers killed, several others injured
- Nature of Assault: Boko Haram fighters launched a surprise raid during heavy rainfall.
Reports indicate that some victims were beheaded, underscoring the brutality of the attack.
Aftermath and Military Response
Three weeks after the incident, the Nigerian Army issued a restricted military signal, declaring the missing soldiers “deserters”.
Their bank accounts have been frozen, and all army formations have been instructed to arrest any of the deserters found within their jurisdictions.
The Army has not yet released an official public statement.
This raises questions about transparency and communication in the face of such a significant security breach.
Breakdown of Missing Soldiers
The missing personnel span multiple ranks, though the majority are junior officers:
- 1 Staff Sergeant
- 3 Sergeants
- 7 Corporals
- 38 Lance Corporals
- 55 Privates
This composition suggests that morale and discipline among lower-ranking soldiers may have been severely compromised, possibly due to overwhelming insurgent pressure or inadequate support.
Implications for National Security
The disappearance of over 100 armed soldiers poses grave risks:
- Security Threat: Deserted soldiers with weapons could be vulnerable to insurgent recruitment or exploitation.
- Operational Weakness: The 162 Amphibious Battalion, a frontline unit against Boko Haram and ISWAP, now faces a serious manpower deficit.
- Public Confidence: Silence from military leadership may erode trust in the Army’s ability to safeguard troops and citizens.
Context and Conclusion
Boko Haram and its splinter faction ISWAP have intensified attacks in northern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State.
This incident highlights the persistent challenges of insurgency, troop morale, and desertion within the Nigerian Army.
The fate of the 104 missing soldiers remains uncertain.
While the Army has declared them deserters, it is possible that some were captured or killed during the attack.
The lack of clarity underscores the urgent need for stronger communication, accountability, and support for frontline troops battling insurgency in Nigeria.
