David Williams
The arrest and subsequent death of a Nigerian Army lance corporal allegedly linked to Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents has raised concerns over insider threats within the country’s security forces, following revelations that reportedly led to the arrest of suspected collaborators.
The soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Abdullahi Jibrin, was a weapons instructor attached to an Army battalion in Geidam, Yobe State.
According to military sources, he had been declared missing from his duty post for about two days before he was allegedly identified among insurgents involved in attacks on Geidam.
Military intelligence reportedly tracked Jibrin’s mobile phone to Gashua, several kilometres from his assigned location.
Troops in the area were alerted and security operatives mounted a search operation that culminated in his arrest at a checkpoint after he allegedly attempted to flee to Gombe State disguised as a civilian.
Sources familiar with the investigation said Jibrin made disclosures during preliminary interrogation that allegedly exposed a network of collaborators, leading to the arrest of some suspects.
Investigators are also examining allegations that additional sympathisers may have infiltrated military formations in the North-East.
However, while being transported back to Geidam under military escort, Jibrin allegedly overpowered one of his escorts, seized a rifle and fatally shot himself before he could be restrained.
Confirming the incident, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Kennedy Anyawu, said a committee had been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death and the allegations against him.
Military sources described Jibrin as a highly skilled soldier who was well regarded by his colleagues.
Before becoming a weapons instructor, he reportedly served in the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, making the allegations against him particularly troubling for security authorities.
