A military source on anonymity has disclosed why Nigerian Army of 5 Brigadier and 145 Battalion could not repel Boko Haram attack on Damasak town, Borno state, despite heavy military presence.
The source explained that Brigadier General, S. S Tilwan had asked the soldiers to retreat rather than attack the terrorist who invaded Damasak town on Saturday.
Boko Haram fighters invaded Damasak town in Borno State on Saturday, burning United Nations facilities, and forcing humanitarian workers to flee for their lives.
It was gathered that the terrorists aided their deadlier Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP) fighters, set fire to the UN offices, and three other international charity organizations contiguous to the UN facility; more than 10 soldiers, many people were reported dead.
A military source who confirmed the incident said, “The Boko Haram terrorists came through Damasak town, and started the attack from 4:04pm to 8pm. The attack lasted for that long, the Boko Haram militants came through the town were civilians live. The airforce personnel tried, they were there on time to attack Boko Haram but couldn’t because of civilians.
“It was supposed to be the duty of the army to enter that town and fish out those bad boys, but we don’t even have what to use, talk less of other things. The jet cannot bomb that town because Boko Haram militants came from where civilians are staying and the governor of this State, Babagana Zulum, has so much confidence in the Battalion. That is why he opened IDP’s camp in Damasak to protect the people, but it seems the army failed the man, due to high corruption in the army, the country is so bad.
“With my five years in the army, even common helmet we don’t have, even those who fought first and second world wars used the helmet to fight, and in this modern day and age, we don’t have a helmet, I am very angry.
The source also revealed that 18 soldiers have been killed, because of the Brigadier Commander S. S Taiwan.
He said, “The man (Tilawan), is creating unnecessary work, he scattered the camp. I believe he is an agent of Boko Haram, a company was dislodged by Boko Haram militants and when our people tried to go for reenforcement, he said we should not go, that day we lost 10 soldiers.
“Today, when the jet came, they told us they could sight Boko Haram guys, but could not bomb, because civilians were there, and that we should go with our little weapons and recapture the town
In addition, he said that three soldiers lost their lives in the attacks, including a lot of people, killed; cars and other valuables were looted by the Boko Harram terrorists.
Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
