The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims that a recruit from Gombe State, Ibrahim Nazifi, died during training at the Army Depot in Zaria.
In a statement on Saturday, Captain Chikadibia Viola Anele, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at Depot NA Zaria, described the reports as false. “We wish to categorically state that this information is incorrect and does not match our records,” she said.
According to the Army, Nazifi successfully passed the State Recruitment Screening Exercise in December 2025 and was shortlisted for training. However, the statement clarified that he never reported to the Depot to commence training.
“He never reported to the Depot for commencement of his training, and at no point was he admitted into the programme.
Consequently, there is no record of his presence, participation, injury, or death at the Depot,” Captain Anele added.
The Army urged the Gombe State Government and other relevant authorities to verify the actual circumstances surrounding the alleged death.
“We call on the Gombe State Government and other concerned authorities to investigate where, when, and under what conditions the purported deceased may have passed away, as no such incident occurred at Depot NA Zaria,” the statement said.
Captain Anele also highlighted that military training is inherently demanding, designed to build endurance and resilience, but added that robust safety protocols are in place to protect recruits.
“While training environments can be rigorous, resulting in rare cases of injury, this does not indicate negligence,” she said.
The Army further cautioned the public against spreading unverified information that could mislead or damage the institution’s reputation. “Members of the public are urged to disregard such reports and avoid circulating information that could tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army,” the statement concluded.
This clarification follows an earlier announcement by Gombe State’s Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, Ambassador Yusuf Danbayo, who reported that Nazifi had died during training and extended condolences to the family and residents of Akko Local Government Area.
