Families of soldiers killed in recent insurgent attacks in Nigeria’s North-East have voiced their grief and called on the government to urgently end the bloodshed. They urge increased military support, better welfare for troops, and genuine commitment to defeating Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
The cries for help come after Monday’s attack on a military base in Marte, Borno State, which claimed five soldiers’ lives. Boko Haram militants invaded the forward operating base early that morning, overpowering troops, looting weapons, and fleeing with military vehicles. While official sources claim the troops repelled the attack, multiple soldiers reportedly abandoned their posts.
Since the start of 2025, numerous assaults have rocked Borno and Yobe states, including fatal attacks on military bases and personnel. Notably, a January raid in Damboa led to the deaths of six soldiers, and several others were killed in subsequent attacks across the region. The relentless violence highlights the worsening security crisis.
Grief and Outrage from Families
The widow of a slain soldier from Benue State refuses to let her children join the military, citing the dangers and hardships faced by her husband, who died during an attack in Borno. She condemns poor equipment, inadequate shelter, meagre pay, and the lack of compensation for fallen soldiers’ families.
Similarly, Shamsudeen Abdullahi from Gombe mourns his brother, Kamaludeen, killed by Boko Haram in Gwoza. He laments their family’s struggles and urges the government to end the insurgency swiftly.
Widows and relatives also complain of neglect and lack of support. Asma’u Noma, leader of the Military Widows’ Association in Kebbi, describes many widows living in poverty, some without access to insurance or death benefits. Families are calling for better welfare packages, fair compensation, and serious action against insurgents.
Soldiers’ Families Under Threat
Serving soldiers’ families live in constant fear. A mother in Osun fears for her son fighting in Yobe, while another parent criticises the military’s seemingly inadequate armament. They urge the government to equip soldiers properly and end the cycle of sacrifice and loss.
Technological and Logistical Challenges
Retired military officials highlight that technological gaps and logistical issues are hampering the fight. Brigadier General Yusuf Ladan stresses the need to modernise strategies, utilise technology better, and support troops’ welfare to curb the insurgency’s momentum. A retired colonel adds that addressing corruption, improving support for troops and bereaved families, and deploying soldiers effectively are crucial for Nigeria’s security.
As the death toll rises and families grieve, the message is clear: decisive, well-supported military action is needed now to restore peace and protect Nigeria and save the lives of our defending heroes and their loved ones.
