Depressed Nigerian Soldier Kills Colleague During Argument In Borno

Depressed Nigerian Soldier Kills Colleague During Argument In Gwoza Borno State

The incidents of internal breaches among Nigerian soldiers in the North-East fighting Boko Haram insurgency is a growing concern to both the military and the public. The latest incident happened when a soldier, whose identity remains unknown, shot and killed his colleague, Private Diko, during a military operation in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.

According to military sources, both soldiers were members of Operation Desert Sanity and had only joined the army in 2020. The reason for the shooting is yet to be confirmed, but it is believed that the soldier who pulled the trigger was struggling with mental health issues.

“They were having an argument and before you know it, he killed him (Diko). Both being 20NA were posted to 103 battalion Enugu but were moved to Borno to fight the Boko Haram insurgency,” a military source said

This recent incident comes only a few weeks after the Commander of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Rabah in Sokoto State, Lt. Sam Oladapo, was shot dead by a soldier identified as Lance Corporal Nwobodo Chinoso. Chinoso also shot the FOB Rabah Command Sergeant Major (CSM), Sgt. Iliyasu Inusa, and another private soldier, Attahiru Mohammed, before killing himself.

There have been several incidents of soldiers going rogue and turning their weapons on their colleagues, particularly those fighting insurgency in the North-East. This has raised concerns about the mental health of Nigerian soldiers, especially those serving in conflict zones, and the need to address the issue urgently.

The Nigerian Army has acknowledged the problem and has taken some steps to address the issue, including providing counseling and other forms of support for soldiers. However, much more needs to be done to address the underlying causes of the problem.

The physical and emotional toll of military service in conflict zones can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems, which can affect soldiers’ behavior and decision-making. It is essential to provide adequate support to soldiers who have been exposed to traumatic events and to ensure that they receive the necessary care to prevent further incidents.

The military authorities must also look into improving the working conditions of soldiers and ensuring that they receive the necessary equipment and training to carry out their duties safely and effectively. This will go a long way in preventing internal breaches and other incidents that put soldiers’ lives at risk.

The incident of internal breaches among Nigerian soldiers in the North-East is a growing concern that needs urgent attention. The Nigerian Army must take proactive measures to address the problem, including providing counseling and other forms of support to soldiers, improving their working conditions, and ensuring they receive adequate training and equipment. It is also essential to address the underlying causes of the problem, such as PTSD, to prevent further incidents and protect the lives of soldiers serving their country.