‘We Are Suffering, No Medication’ – Nigerian Soldiers In North West Cry Out

Nigerian soldiers involved in Operation Fansan Yamma in the North West have expressed their grievances regarding a perceived neglect from military authorities, which has compelled them to buy their own medications when they fall ill due to a severe shortage of medical supplies.

In a recent interaction with journalists, several soldiers voiced their concerns about the lack of qualified medical personnel, noting that only medical representatives are present, and they frequently express dissatisfaction over the insufficient supply of necessary medications and equipment.

Operation Fansan Yamma encompasses the states of Katsina and Zamfara in the North West region.

One soldier conveyed his frustration about the deteriorating conditions, mentioning that they have had to repeatedly use their personal funds for essential medical treatment.

“Poor medication. We often buy drugs with our money, which is uncountable times. Because even drip, I bought them with my own money, not once, not twice. I am also a victim of that,” he told SaharaReporters.

“To cut the story, anything you know that is supposed to make us live comfortably here is in its worst state; nothing good to write about it.

“The medical representatives are there, but even then, they have not supplied them the medicine, so they prescribe the medicine to us, and then we buy them outside. Then they use it.”

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One of the security operatives stressed that the situation has become unbearable for them.

“I bought drip with my own money, not once, and other medications. I was seriously sick at that time, and I had no other option but to buy the drip because there was no drip with the medical representatives and no medicine,” he said.

According to them, the only medical staff available are medical representatives, who themselves complain about the lack of supplies.

“They only have medical representatives, and they are always complaining about not being supplied with drips and other medical needs,” he added.

This comes amid ongoing complaints from soldiers in the operation, who previously described their food as “poisonous and disgusting,” saying even street children would refuse to eat it happily.

Soldiers have also raised concerns over unsafe drinking water, which they claim is sourced from boreholes dangerously close to toilets.

“That is what we are passing through for over two years and six months. That makes many soldiers consider leaving the job because of this treatment,” another soldier had told SaharaReporters.

In addition to inadequate medical care, soldiers have expressed their frustration over the military’s neglect in rotating them, resulting in their extended stay on the frontlines for more than two years and six months, far exceeding the original six-month deployment period.

They have criticized the military for overlooking their situation while focusing on other assignments.

As morale continues to plummet, the soldiers report that they are struggling to cope. “Our fighting spirits have died,” one soldier confessed.

They have called on authorities to take action, insisting on enhanced medical care, better nutrition, and their long-awaited redeployment.