Army Denies Involvement In Foreign Arms Dealer Arrest
The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media video that claims troops recently arrested a foreign arms dealer, Shehu Ali Kachalla, in Zamfara State.
Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, clarified that the footage being circulated online was not recent, noting that security operatives had arrested Kachalla in 2021.
She explained that the 30-year-old Nigerien national was apprehended on May 14, 2021, by the Zamfara State Police Command in a joint intelligence-led operation involving personnel from the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to her, the suspect confessed to illegally supplying over 450 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition to criminal gangs operating across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger States.
Anele said, “The resurgence of the old video on social media is therefore, at best, aimed at misinforming the public, while undermining the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
She emphasised that the Army had not arrested Kachalla and that no Nigerian Army personnel were indicted or arrested in connection with the 2021 case, despite the suspect’s allegations about an unnamed security operative’s involvement.
She added, “While the suspect in the 2021 case alleged collusion by an unnamed security personnel, no Nigerian Army personnel were indicted or arrested in connection with the matter.”
The Army reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards unprofessional conduct. It affirmed that it imposes appropriate disciplinary actions on erring personnel in line with the Armed Forces Act and military regulations where such conduct is proven.
It urged members of the public to disregard the circulating video, describing it as outdated and designed to create public disaffection against the military’s ongoing operations.
“We also advise content creators and social media influencers to verify the authenticity and date of materials before sharing the same to avoid unnecessary panic or confusion,” she said.
Anele reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to working with other security agencies and local communities to tackle terrorism, banditry, and related threats undermining peace and stability in Nigeria.
“We shall continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and communities in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality threatening peace and stability in our country,” she added.
Army Denies Involvement In Foreign Arms Dealer Arrest is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
