Nigerian soldiers stationed at the 7 Division Maimalari military cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, have decried the lack of essential services such as electricity and water in their barracks. These challenges have persisted for months, leaving their families to endure severe hardships while the soldiers themselves risk their lives combating terrorism in the forests.

Reports from the affected soldiers indicate that their family members, many of whom run small businesses within the cantonment, are struggling to sustain their operations due to the inconsistent power supply. This situation has also made it increasingly difficult to operate the water pumping machines that the cantonment relies on.

One soldier, speaking to Chronicles Reporters, lamented, “There has been no stable electricity in Maimalari military cantonment for over two months now. Out of 24 hours in a day, we’re lucky to get just three hours of power. On some days, it is total darkness. How can we risk our lives for this country while our families are subjected to such neglect? We leave them in the barracks so they can at least enjoy basic amenities, but instead, they’re living in dire conditions.”

The soldier further explained, “Many of us are assigned to secure the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway day and night, braving harsh weather. Despite this, our families are being treated like prisoners in the barracks. It’s heartbreaking. The Barrack Maintenance Office (BMO) removed us from the original power line, worsening the situation. We plead with the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to restore the power connection. This mistreatment must end before it escalates further. Currently, there is no adequate water supply, and medical services for soldiers’ families are substandard.”

Another soldier voiced his frustration, describing the living conditions as “shameful and unacceptable.” He noted, “While there is electricity in most parts of Maiduguri city, the army barracks receive only three hours of power daily. This leaves our families without water, as the pumping machines rely on a steady power supply. The situation is demoralizing. At the very least, our families should have access to reliable power and water while we’re out there protecting Nigerians.”

He added, “There are rumors that this situation is deliberate, aimed at reducing the electricity bills paid by the military authorities. We hope this isn’t true. We appeal to the Acting Chief of Army Staff, who is visiting Maiduguri on Thursday for the first time since his appointment by President Tinubu, to address this issue urgently.”

The soldiers’ plea underscores the importance of ensuring the welfare of their families as a key component of maintaining morale and effectiveness in the fight against terrorism.

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