A Nigerian Army soldier has been detained after allegedly firing indiscriminately and injuring two civilians at Pulka town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The incident reportedly occurred at about 5:10 p.m. on June 23.
This is just as a A suspect arrested by troops of Operation UDO KA in Enugu State has died after he was shot during a struggle with a soldier while allegedly attempting to disarm the serviceman.
On the Borno State incident, sources said the soldier, identified as Pte. Lawan Abubakar of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion deployed at Ngoshe, allegedly left his duty location without official authorization and proceeded to Pulka town.
According to the sources, the soldier reportedly fired several rounds indiscriminately around the Pulka Market area, injuring two civilians.
Troops of the 192 Battalion promptly responded, disarmed the soldier and took him into custody.
The injured civilians were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gwoza, where they are receiving medical treatment.
The sources added that the soldier has been transferred to the Headquarters, 26 Task Force Brigade, for further investigation and disciplinary action.
On the Enugu State incident, security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:15 a.m. on June 24 along the 9th Mile–Enugu Road in Udi Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
The sources said troops of the 103 Battalion (Rear), deployed at Ugwu Onyema, responded to a distress call over the conduct of a disorderly tipper driver along the busy highway.
According to the sources, the suspect was apprehended and taken to the military location for preliminary interrogation, where he allegedly became violent and attempted to seize a soldier’s weapon.
“The suspect resisted arrest and, during the ensuing struggle, attempted to disarm one of the soldiers. In the process, he was shot,” the source said.
The victim was immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical treatment but was later confirmed dead by doctors.
The sources added that troops reinforced security in the area and intensified patrols to prevent any breakdown of law and order following the incident.
Military authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the development as of the time of filing this report.
Written with reports from Zagazola Makama