Even though the Nigerian Army forces managed to extricate themselves from the ambush, the attack seriously affected the morale of the involved soldiers who felt that their leadership was carelessly sacrificing them in the war against the insurgents.

Often lacking even basic necessities, such as weapons, ammunition, pay, and food, the soldiers involved in these operations became increasingly dissatisfied and demoralized over time.

[11][10] On early 13 May 2014, pro-government militias from three villages in the Kala/Balge area repelled a major Boko Haram raid, allegedly killing up to 200 insurgents, as well as capturing some fighters and military equipment.

The soldiers gathered some of the captured Boko Haram materiel from the locals,[2] who relayed to them "misleading",[9] "faulty and unverified information" about the possible location of the kidnapped schoolgirls from Chibok.

[8] By then, the 7th Division troops in question were in Chibok and protested against this order, as this would force them to move through the wilderness at night, exposing them to possible Boko Haram attacks.

[13] Though the Nigerian soldiers had managed to overcome the ambush, the Boko Haram assault had serious repercussions for the 7th Division's morale, which had already been low.

Since this insurgent attack had happened just as they had feared, the surviving troops blamed Major General Ahmadu Mohammed for carelessly ordering them to move at night and for having needlessly sacrificed their comrades.

[2] Charged for "mutiny, criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, disobeying orders, insubordination and false accusation", all pleaded not guilty.