Katsina/Zamfara — Nigerian soldiers deployed under Operation Fansan Yamma in the North West have raised serious concerns about their dire living conditions, citing “disgusting food, unpaid allowances, and contaminated drinking water” as major issues.
One of the soldiers described the meals as “poisonous and disgusting,” saying even street children would not eat them. “The food is so bad that even Almajiri can’t eat it with happiness,” he lamented, adding that their meals lack meat and proper seasoning.
Soldiers Abandoned for Over Two Years
Despite risking their lives to combat banditry, the soldiers say they have gone over two years and six months without rotation, despite their deployment originally being for only six months.
They report that military authorities cite a lack of funds as the reason for their prolonged stay, leaving many exhausted and contemplating resignation.
Another major concern is unsafe drinking water, with soldiers revealing that their borehole is located dangerously close to toilets, raising fears of contamination.
“The water source is less than 20 meters from the toilet and bathroom. There’s a real chance that waste is seeping into our drinking supply,” one soldier warned.
The combination of poor nutrition, delayed payments, and extended deployments without rotation has left soldiers feeling abandoned by the military leadership.
Despite their complaints, no significant action has been taken, further loering morale among troops who are already overworked and underappreciated.
As frustration grows, many are reconsidering their commitment to the Nigerian Army, raising concerns about the military’s ability to sustain its fight against banditry in the region.
