General Williams Reveals The Real Reason Troops Run From Boko Haram Battles

Former Chief of Defence Training and Planning, General Ishola Williams (retd.), has revealed that Nigerian soldiers are often deployed to the frontlines without proper briefing or understanding of the war they are fighting.

According to him, this lack of training and orientation is a major reason why troops sometimes abandon their positions when insurgents, especially Boko Haram, launch attacks.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Williams argued that Nigeria’s war against insecurity could be won within six months if security agencies are reorganized, intelligence systems overhauled, and personnel adequately trained.

He stressed that merely purchasing more weapons would not solve the problem, insisting that soldiers must be taught not just how to fight, but also why they are fighting.

“All these problems can be solved within six months. Reorganise the security agencies, build a new technical and intelligence system, and train the people properly,” he said.

The retired general lamented that some communities still give support to terrorists and bandits, frustrating government efforts. He urged traditional rulers to play a stronger role in sensitising locals on the need to cooperate with security forces.

On arms smuggling, Williams called for tighter inter-agency collaboration between Immigration, Customs, and the Police, warning that illegal weapons still cross Nigeria’s borders due to collusion among some personnel.