The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri has verified the arrest of a soldier accused of killing a truck driver at a checkpoint along the Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru Road.
The incident apparently occurred at the checkpoint as a result of a misunderstanding between the soldier and the truck driver.
According to reports, the incident, which occurred on Boxing Day, prompted commercial drivers to boycott the key border road in protest, leaving many travelers stranded.
Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina, the Division’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest of the soldier in a statement on Thursday, saying the Army had launched an inquiry after receiving 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.”
In response to the occurrence, the Borno State Government, through the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, stated that the situation was being investigated to ensure justice.
“The government is following up on this matter and will take all necessary measures to ensure that the matter is properly investigated and suspects are prosecuted. Anyone who is found guilty will face the full wrath of the law.
“Meanwhile, the Borno State Government urges the general public, particularly members of the Road Transport Workers Union, to maintain patience and decorum while the matter is handled according to the law,” Tar pleaded.
