Shocking: Nigerian Soldiers Publicly Torture Colleague for Allegedly Selling Ammunition to Bandits

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• A Nigerian soldier attached to the 35 Battalion in Katsina was publicly tortured by fellow soldiers, accused of stealing ammunition and military uniforms and selling them to bandits.
• A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows the soldier tied up and beaten, with his colleagues expressing anger and disbelief over his alleged betrayal.
• Military officials, including Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, have yet to comment on the incident, though the army has condemned such actions by personnel in the past.

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Shocking: Nigerian Soldiers Publicly Torture Colleague for Allegedly Selling Ammunition to Bandits

A disturbing video has surfaced showing Nigerian soldiers torturing a colleague for allegedly stealing and selling military ammunition and uniforms to bandits in Katsina State. The accused soldier, whose identity has been withheld, is attached to the 35 Battalion, stationed in Katsina town.

In the video obtained by SaharaReporters, the soldier’s hands are bound behind his back as he is brutally flogged by his fellow soldiers. One of the soldiers, speaking in Pidgin English, is heard accusing the man of stealing ammunition and Special Forces clothing.

“He stole my ammunition, that one no do am, him steal my SF (Special Forces) clothes, that one no do am, him still steal my regimental jacket,” the soldier says. Another soldier in the video adds, “We are all in the same unit, 35 Battalion. He sold things to bandits. We thought he was our colleague, not knowing he is an enemy.”

The video has sparked outrage, highlighting an alarming issue within the Nigerian military. While the accused soldier is being condemned for his actions, the public nature of the punishment raises serious concerns about discipline and the treatment of personnel within the armed forces.

The incident has not gone unnoticed by the military hierarchy, though no official comment has been made yet. Calls to Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu went unanswered, and he had not responded to inquiries at the time of filing this report.

This is not the first time that Nigerian soldiers have been accused of aiding criminal activities. There have been several documented cases of military personnel assisting terrorists, bandits, and other criminals. In previous statements, the military has strongly condemned such acts, but incidents like this continue to paint a troubling picture.

While many Nigerians rely on the military to safeguard the nation, such reports of betrayal erode public trust. The video has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with citizens calling for a thorough investigation and a re-examination of the discipline and ethics within the armed forces.

The involvement of military personnel in aiding criminals has long been a source of concern, particularly in regions like Katsina, where banditry and insecurity have taken a heavy toll on communities. The sale of ammunition and military uniforms to bandits not only compromises national security but also endangers the lives of soldiers and civilians alike.

Katsina, like many northern states, has been plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and violence. In these areas, bandits often outmatch local law enforcement due to access to sophisticated weapons, some of which are believed to be sourced from corrupt military personnel. This latest case further fuels these concerns, leaving many questioning how deep the issue runs within the ranks of the Nigerian army.

Military officials are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but there is growing pressure on the authorities to act decisively. Nigerians expect a full investigation, and many are calling for the soldier to face the consequences of his alleged actions through a proper legal process rather than the mob justice seen in the video.

With the rising insecurity in various parts of the country, the Nigerian military faces immense challenges in its efforts to restore peace and order. The presence of traitors within their ranks only complicates these efforts, further threatening national security.

The situation underscores the importance of strict internal control within the military to ensure that personnel remain committed to their duty to protect, rather than undermine, the country.

As more details emerge, the public awaits an official response from the military leadership and any legal actions that will follow this troubling event.