The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral video circulating across social media platforms that alleges the recent arrest of a foreign arms dealer, Shehu Ali Kachalla, as part of its operations in Zamfara State.
The circulating footage suggests a conspiracy involving arms dealers and soldiers in the sale of weapons and ammunition to terrorists, bandits, and other criminal actors.
However, in a firm rebuttal, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Colonel Appolonia Anele, clarified that the video in question is outdated and has no connection to the Nigerian Army’s current operations.
She stated, “The Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that the said video is not recent.”
Providing context, Anele explained that, “To set the records straight, the individual featured in the footage, Shehu Ali Kachalla, a 30-year-old Nigerien national, was arrested by the Zamfara State Police Command on 14 May 2021 in a joint intelligence-led operation involving operatives of the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The suspect confessed to have illegally supplied over 450 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition to criminal elements across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger States.”
She further emphasized that the resurfacing of the video is a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation and discredit the military’s ongoing efforts.
“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 said.
Anele reiterated that the Nigerian Army holds its personnel to strict standards of conduct.
“The Nigerian Army maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional conducts, and where there are proven cases of such involving its personnel, appropriate disciplinary actions are always taken in line with the Armed Forces Act and other extant military regulations.”
She also addressed the content of the video, which hinted at alleged collaboration with security agents.
“While the suspect in the 2021 case alleged collusion by an unnamed security personnel, no Nigerian Army personnel was indicted or arrested in connection with the matter,” she stated.
The Army is urging the public to disregard the misleading content and approach online material with scrutiny.
“We therefore urge the general public to disregard the recirculated video as outdated and misleading.
“We also advise content creators and social media influencers to verify the authenticity and date of materials before sharing same in order to avoid unnecessary panic or confusion.”
Anele reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering commitment to national security.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“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.”
