The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri has confirmed the arrest of a soldier accused of killing a truck driver at a checkpoint along Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru Road.
The incident, which reportedly stemmed from a disagreement between the soldier and the driver, took place on Boxing Day and resulted in commercial drivers boycotting the road, causing travel disruptions.
In a statement on Thursday, the 7 Division Public Relations Officer, Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina, Confirmed the arrest, stating that an investigation had been initiated following a complaint from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The statement read, “Furthermore, engagement has been established with NURTW towards a peaceful resolution of the incident.
“The division has assured both the family of the deceased and the NURTW of its commitment to ensure that justice is served to the family and no stone would be left unturned in this regard.
“In the division’s effort towards ensuring that the family of the victim gets justice, the soldier in question has been arrested, and an investigation has commenced.
“It’s also worth mentioning that the division does not tolerate any form of unprofessional conduct from any personnel as we operate within the ambit of the law.
“The division wishes to reassure the members of the general public once again that we will remain resolute and professional in the joint effort to tackle insecurity in Borno State.”
The Borno State Government, represented by Prof. Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, also responded, pledging to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable.
Tar further urged patience and calm among the public while the legal process unfolded.