The wives of Nigerian soldiers have protested against their husbands being sent to fight militant Islamist group Boko Haram, a demonstrator has said.
The protest at the main military barracks in north-eastern Maiduguri city came as the government vowed to retake Gwoza town from the militants.
Hundreds of people were killed when Boko Haram seized Gwoza last week, the area's senator, Ali Ndume, said.
Boko Haram is fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria.
The BBC's Abdullahi Kaura in the capital, Abuja, says he understands that about 100 women protested at the Giwa barracks in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.
'Throat slit'
It is the latest sign of growing dissatisfaction with the military top brass, he says.
Soldiers have repeatedly complained Boko Haram has superior firepower and they are in position to confront the militants.
In May, some soldiers opened fire on their commander, Maj-Gen Ahmed Mohammed, at Maiduguri's Maimalari barracks, blaming him for the killing of their colleagues by Boko Haram fighters.
Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been designated a terrorist by the US govenement
A wife of a soldier, who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, said they were opposed to their husbands going into battle.
When their husbands were sent to the front line on 13 March, Boko Haram launched an assault on the barracks the next day, she said.
Her home was burnt, and her neighbour's four children were killed, the woman added.
"Now [the army] want to send our husbands to Gwoza and we said 'no'," she told the BBC.
"Our husbands have been fighting Boko Haram for six years now. If they get killed or injured, they [the army] will not take care for us."
Some 250,000 people have fled their homes this year because of the Boko Haram conflict
Boko Haram has been accused of destroying entire villages
Mr Ndume told the BBC that hundreds of bodies were decomposing on the streets of Gwoza after Boko Haram took control of the town last week.
The attack was brutal, with the local imam's throat slit, he said.
Our correspondent says the militants apparently retreated to Gwoza after losing control of Damboa town, about 70km (45 miles) away, to the army.
Many people have fled Gwoza, which had a population of about 50,000, our correspondent says.
Ambushed
Nigeria's Interior Minister Abba Moro said the military was reorganising itself with the aim of regaining control of the town.
Last week, government forces failed in a bid to take Gwoza after they were ambushed, our reporter says.
The army had earlier re-captured Damboa, held by Boko Haram since July, after fierce fighting, he says.
The violence in Nigeria has forced some 250,000 people from their homes this year, according to the government's relief agency.
More than three million people are facing a humanitarian crisis.
A state of emergency was declared in Borno and two other north-eastern states last year to help the military crush the insurgency but the militants have stepped up attacks since then.
In April, Boko Haram caused global outrage by abducting more than 200 schoolchildren in Chibok town in Borno state.
The group has also carried out a wave of bombings and assassinations, including that of moderate Muslim leaders opposed to its ideology.
Latest Stories
-
Limited registration: Political parties must stop bussing and encouraging minors, foreigners to register – Bossman Asare
6 mins -
Oheneyere Mrs. Helen Opong-Kesse
30 mins -
ECG urges community collaboration to safeguard electricity infrastructure
39 mins -
WAFU B Nations Cup: ‘We want to host and win’ – Black Starlets coach Laryea Kingston
40 mins -
Lens put Ghana’s Salis Abdul Samed up for sale – Report
47 mins -
Ghana has made significant investments in technology-driven education – Akufo-Addo
55 mins -
Mr. James Yalley Assuah Kwofie, IGP (RTD)
1 hour -
There’s no need to recall Parliament – Minority
1 hour -
Aya Institute advocates gender-responsive media as Ghana hosts 3rd African Media Convention
1 hour -
CAA II seniors to serve as Paris Olympics qualifier – Bawah Fuseini
2 hours -
Dr Bawumia’s vision will transform Ghana – Volta NPP Chair
2 hours -
Only those who decide to play the ‘fool’ stay married – Real Warri Pikin
2 hours -
Cedi can only stabilse temporarily but will keep on depreciating – Prof Bokpin
2 hours -
Finance Ministry develops financial strategy to support SMEs
2 hours -
AfCFTA mission can’t be achieved without digital inclusion – AfCFTA Secretary General
2 hours