Not a week goes by that news of assault by Boko Haram doesn’t find it’s way to the airwaves. The latest stream of attacks by the insurgent group has targeted Nigerian soldiers; ambushing and reportedly killing at least 20 of them in troubled Borno.

Twenty Eight Soldiers Killed In Boko Haram Ambush | Sahara Reporters
“We lost about 28 soldiers to Boko Haram terrorists. The guys came unexpectedly with sophisticated weapons," a military source told SaharaReporters. @HQNigerianArmy
READ MORE: https://t.co/JUghL8V9l6 pic.twitter.com/NLfNR0qjQN

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 8, 2020

 

While there has been no definite statement on the number of soldiers killed, reported numbers range from 20 to 28 and reports say, the deceased soldiers were assigned to 25 Task Force Brigade, Damboa in Borno; while two other soldiers were injured in the ambush. 

In a statement on Wednesday however, by the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, only two soldiers were killed in the ambush; contrary to some media reports.

A week earlier, Boko Haram insurgents had attacked a United Nations helicopter, killing two civilians including a five-year-old child in the unsettled Northeast region. Nigerians had voiced their frustration with President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement that the “cowardly attack won’t go without consequences;”calling it insufficient.

Boko Haram’s attack on UN helicopter won’t be without consequences – Buhari https://t.co/55bna7kls6

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) July 5, 2020

Yet again, it seems the bandits are without fear, as they’ve successfully attacked and killed the very officials appointed to protect Nigerians which brings a heaviness to the minds of many, as they question what the government is doing about this insecurity crisis.

The pictures of our 23 soldiers that were killed by Boko Haram in Borno state yesterday are horrific and depressing. I cannot even bear to share them. I weep for these young men. May God help us in this nation and may the souls of each of these young warriors rest in peace. ?

— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) July 9, 2020

When will Nigerians wake up.and realise that Buhari or whoever the hell it is in that villa, the ENTIRE APC gang, cabal, cartel or whatever they're called, Tinubu & his own gang ALL need to go for this country to have ANY chance of survival? Until Boko Haram finishes us all off?

— Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi (@BOGbadamosi) July 8, 2020

 

Many speculated on how the bandits got to know the whereabouts of the soldiers; suggesting that an insider might be tipping them off with crucial information. Others questioned why the government hadn’t sacked the service chiefs; stressing that they are incompetent to continue handling the crisis.

Who in the army is giving Boko Haram information on troop movements?

— Imoh Umoren (@TheImoh) July 9, 2020

Nigerian soldiers were again ambushed by Boko Haram yesterday. This has become a regular occurrence. Who's selling secrets to Boko Haram?

Time and again, many have asked why is Buhari reluctant to sack the useless Service Chiefs that have outlived their usefulness.

— Emeka Nnadozie (@ChNnadozie) July 9, 2020

Nigerian soldiers were again ambushed by Boko Haram yesterday. This has become a regular occurrence. Who's selling secrets to Boko Haram?

Time and again, many have asked why is Buhari reluctant to sack the useless Service Chiefs that have outlived their usefulness.

— Emeka Nnadozie (@ChNnadozie) July 9, 2020

 

Some still raised the issue of rehabilitating Boko Haram insurgents; pointing out that it was a wrong move by government. 

Good Morning Everyone.

While Mr. President keep releasing Boko Haram members back to the society as a repentant and reformed persons.

Nigeria Soldiers dies in ambushed every now and then.

May The Souls of these Galant Men RIP. pic.twitter.com/rQEIcyA9vS

— Ibro Makanaki (@IbrahimAdesoye) July 9, 2020