We sacrifice to fight Boko Haram, ISIS, yet our families are treated like prisoners – Soldiers lament

The soldiers in North-East Nigeria lamented the absence of basic amenities such as electricity and water for their families residing in the barracks.

They complain that, as a result of this lack, their family members are losing their businesses.

They added that due to the poor power supply, powering the water pumping machine in the cantonment is now difficult.

“There’s been no stable light in the Maimalari military cantonment for over two months now. Out of the 24 hours in a day, we only have electricity for a maximum of 3 hours. Some days, it is total blackout,” one of the soldiers told SaharaReporters.

“How can we sacrifice our lives for this country, yet our superior officers are treating us like this?” We leave our families daily in the barracks so they can enjoy basic things while we face the bush fighting Boko Haram and ISIS terrorists.

“Some of us are posted to secure the Maiduguri/Damaturu highway both day and night despite the harsh weather condition but our families are not benefiting at all. They’re treated like prisoners in the barracks. It was the BMO that removed the barracks light from the initial line that we used, we are appealing to the new COAS to please get us back to this line.

“This ill treatment of soldiers must stop with immediate effect before it results in something else, imagine, no available water, no better medical services for soldiers’ families.”

Another soldier added, “Very alarming issue here in Maimalari military cantonment Maiduguri, our families are not happy with the directive given by the 7 Div Ag GOC. There is electricity supply everywhere in the city but here in the army barracks, we only have 3 hours of electricity supply. The reasons behind this still remain unknown.

“There is no water due to the unstable power supply. The current situation here is very bad and shameful. At least, let our families benefit from good power and water supply while we soldiers are in the bush protecting Nigerians, it’s unfair.

“Though we have heard that the army authorities did this intentionally because they don’t want to pay much electricity bill. We don’t want to believe this at all, so we want you to help us appeal to the acting Chief of Army staff who is coming to Maiduguri on Thursday for an official visit to look into this. Today will be his first time visiting the theatre command since his appointment by President Tinubu.”