104 Nigerian Soldiers Reportedly Declared Missing After Deadly Boko Haram Attack

By: Jonadab

Publisher: DocuNews Central

Date: July 1, 2026

A report claiming that 104 Nigerian soldiers have been declared missing after a deadly Boko Haram attack has sparked fresh concern over security operations in Nigeria’s North-East. According to media reports citing an internal military signal, the affected personnel have not returned to their unit weeks after insurgents attacked their base.

According to DocuNews Central, the reported development followed a major assault on a military formation operated by the 162 Amphibious Battalion along the Mandara–Buratai Road in Borno State. The attack has been linked to Boko Haram and its rival faction, ISWAP, both of which remain active in the region.

The incident reportedly occurred on June 5, 2026, near the Mandara–Buratai Road in Borno State, Nigeria. Reports indicate that several soldiers were killed while others sustained injuries during the assault. However, the Nigerian Army has not publicly confirmed reports that 104 personnel were later declared missing.

Several Nigerian media organisations reported that a classified military document listed 104 soldiers as absent from duty after the attack. The document reportedly stated that the personnel left their positions with their assigned weapons during the fighting.

The reported list includes one Staff Sergeant, three Sergeants, seven Corporals, 38 Lance Corporals and 55 Privates. The document further claimed that security formations were directed to arrest any of the listed personnel if found within their operational areas.

According to the reports, the soldiers’ bank accounts were also ordered to be frozen pending further military action. Nevertheless, the authenticity of the leaked signal has not been independently verified by DocuNews Central.

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Military Yet to Issue Public Confirmation

As of publication, the Nigerian Army has not released an official public statement confirming or denying the reported list of missing soldiers. Military authorities have also not publicly confirmed whether the affected personnel have been declared deserters.

Security analysts note that information emerging from active conflict zones often changes as rescue operations and accountability exercises continue. Therefore, official confirmation remains essential before the reported figures can be regarded as final.

The June 5 attack itself has already been widely reported. During the assault, insurgents reportedly overran parts of the military position before Nigerian troops reorganised and continued counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have continued to launch attacks on military formations and civilian communities despite sustained operations by Nigerian security forces. The North-East remains one of the country’s most active conflict zones after more than a decade of insurgency.

Military operations have continued across Borno and neighbouring states as troops pursue insurgent groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest. Authorities have repeatedly stated that operations against terrorists remain ongoing despite periodic attacks on military positions.

According to DocuNews Central, the reported disappearance of 104 soldiers remains an unconfirmed development pending an official statement from the Nigerian Army. The situation continues to evolve, and further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.

Sources:

• DockaysWorld
• Nigerian Army official updates
• Defence Headquarters (DHQ)