The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri has confirmed the arrest of a soldier for allegedly killing a truck driver at a checkpoint along the Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru Road.
The incident, which occurred on Boxing Day, reportedly resulted from a misunderstanding between the soldier and the truck driver.
The arrest was made following a complaint from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), leading to a boycott of the busy border road by commercial drivers in protest, leaving many travelers stranded.
In a statement, the 7 Division Public Relations Officer, Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina, confirmed the arrest and announced that the Army had initiated an investigation into the incident.
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The division is also engaging with the NURTW for a peaceful resolution.
The statement read, “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, through the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, expressed its commitment to ensuring justice in the matter.
Tar urged the public, particularly members of the Road Transport Workers Union, to maintain patience and decorum during the investigation.
The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army was established in 2013 to counter the threat of insurgency, terrorism, and armed banditry in the North Eastern part of the country.
It covers operational responsibilities in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
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