Army arrests soldier for killing truck driver in Edo

The Nigerian Army, 4 Brigade, Benin-City says it has arrested a soldier for allegedly killing a truck driver identified as Shafiu Garba for trying to evade Army Checkpoint in Uromi.

The Army noted that this was contrary to claims that the soldier allegedly killed the truck driver for his refusal to give bribe along Agbor road.

Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Capt. Mohammed Maidawa confirmed the arrest in a statement sent to DAILY POST.

Capt. Maidawa noted that a Regimental Board of Inquiry had been constituted to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He also commiserated with the family of the deceased, pointing out that the Nigerian Army as a “Professional Force” does not condone any act of misdemeanor by troops deployed on Internal Security Operations.

Capt. Maidawa said,”I want to assure the general public that the Nigerian Army will continue to carry out ita operations in line with the Rules of Engagement for Internal Security Operations.

“The general public particularly those plying the highways should be assured that the Brigade places high premium on the sanctity of human lives.”

Narrating how the incident happened, the Army’s Image maker claimed that the soldier on routine Stop and Search Operation allegedly shot a moving truck carrying cows which was trying to evade checks.

According him, “Unfortunately in the process , a civilian was hit by a bullet, the victim was immediately rushed to a hospital at Uromi where he gave up.

“This ugly incident resulted to protest by truck drivers who blocked Benin Express Way at Ewu junction but later cleared their trucks and normal traffic continued.”