EXCLUSIVE(SAHARA REPORTERS): Over 100 Soldiers Unaccounted For Following Boko Haram Assault on Borno Base

More than three weeks after a fierce assault by Boko Haram militants on a military installation in Borno State, approximately 104 Nigerian Army personnel remain unaccounted for. These soldiers were assigned to the 162 Battalion, situated along the Mandara–Buratai Road in the northeastern state.

SaharaReporters had previously reported on June 5 about the terrorist attack on this Nigerian Army facility. The initial report detailed that at least eight soldiers lost their lives, with several others sustaining injuries. An insider source provided a vivid account of how the attackers managed to breach parts of the base, executing a brutal onslaught against the troops stationed there. The source stated, “At the 162 Battalion on Mandara–Buratai Road, eight soldiers were killed in action. They attacked us at 4 a.m. today, Friday, when it was raining.” The source further disclosed the gruesome nature of the attack, adding, “They killed eight soldiers and beheaded them. Several others were injured during the attack.”

Information gathered by SaharaReporters indicated that the terrorists launched their offensive in considerable numbers, catching the military personnel off guard, compounded by adverse weather conditions at the time. Disturbing footage and photographs from the scene corroborated the severity of the incident, although official communication from authorities is yet to be released.

Now, over three weeks since the event, another source has confirmed that more than 104 soldiers, who were part of the base’s deployment before the attack, cannot be traced. The source revealed, “This is the list of soldiers who deserted from the 162 Battalion along Biu Road. Boko Haram slaughtered a Major and seven other soldiers. That was early this month. This is the list of soldiers who cannot be accounted for after the attack. We cannot say whether they are dead or ran away. The Army is trying to hide it from Nigerians.”

In a related development, the Nigerian Army has officially declared the missing soldiers as deserters. A military signal, exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, indicated that these soldiers were labelled as having deserted their posts and warned of severe repercussions if they are found. Sources also disclosed that the Army high command has proceeded to freeze the bank accounts of the affected personnel.

The signal, signed by Lieutenant Ndubuisi, read: “The above-named soldier and 103 others absconded from their place of deployment to an unknown destination on June 5, 2026, with their personal weapons after the BHT/ISWAP attack on our location. In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully affirm that the said soldiers have not reported back for duty and are hereby declared deserters with effect from that date. The deserter soldiers are listed in Annex A. Please acknowledge.” Furthermore, various Army formations have been instructed to immediately apprehend and transfer any of these soldiers located within their operational zones.