Nigerian soldiers deployed to Operation Fansan Yamma in the North West have raised alarm over their extended deployment.
Although the military originally assigned them for six months, these troops have now spent two years and six months on duty.
Despite repeated requests, the army continues to deny their rotation, blaming a lack of funds.

“We Were Promised Six Months. We’ve Been Here for 30.”

Initially, the army told the soldiers they would serve six months in the operation.
However, after arriving, the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, extended their stay indefinitely.
Since then, the soldiers have remained on the frontline without relief, rest, or clear communication.

Troops Feel Forgotten, Families Remain Waiting

Because the army refuses to rotate them, the soldiers say they haven’t seen their families in over two years.
As a result, many of them now feel exhausted, disconnected, and demoralized.
“Our families miss us, and we miss them,” one soldier said. “This long stay has drained us completely.”

Meanwhile, Other Units Have Been Replaced

The soldiers also expressed frustration over unequal treatment within the military.
They revealed that other troops deployed to Maiduguri after them have already been rotated home.
“Those soldiers came after us and already left. But we’re still stuck here,” one soldier said.

The Army Ignores Official Leave Policies

Under military policy, every soldier qualifies for a 14-day pass every three months.
However, these soldiers say they haven’t received a single leave since arriving.
“Our pass is long overdue. We’ve completed ten cycles of 90 days. Still, we’ve had no break,” one soldier explained.

Fighting Spirit Has Collapsed

Because of this ongoing neglect, morale has dropped sharply among the troops.
According to them, they now fight just to stay alive—not because they feel motivated.
“Our strength is gone. We just survive now. This isn’t how soldiers should live,” one admitted.

Troops Call for Immediate Action

Now, the soldiers are calling on military leadership and the federal government to release the necessary funds.
They insist the authorities must rotate them immediately and honor the policies they promised.
“We’ve done our duty. We’ve given everything. Now, it’s time for them to do the right thing,” one said.

Neglect Puts National Security at Risk

If the government fails to act, these soldiers warn that morale will continue to decline.
Without rest, motivation, or support, frontline operations may suffer severe setbacks.
“Nigeria needs us,” one soldier said. “But we also need Nigeria to care about us.”