A disturbing case of military brutality has once again cast a dark shadow over Nigeria’s civil-military relations, as soldiers from the 241 Recce Battalion in Nguru, Yobe State, reportedly unleashed violence on traffic officials, leaving one in critical condition.
The victim, Yunusa Mohammed, a dedicated officer with the Yobe State Road Transport Management Agency (YOROTA), is currently battling for his life at the Federal Medical Centre in Nguru after he was allegedly brutalised by men of the Nigerian Army.
According to eyewitnesses and multiple sources, the ugly incident unfolded on Monday when YOROTA officials stopped a soldier—believed to be a Lieutenant—during a routine motorcycle check. Rather than cooperate, the visibly infuriated officer reacted with aggression, slapping and assaulting the traffic officer on the spot.
The situation rapidly escalated when the army officer reportedly returned to his barracks and mobilised reinforcements. In a brazen show of force, soldiers stormed the YOROTA office in Nguru in a convoy of two tricycles and physically attacked every official they encountered.
“They didn’t care who was involved,” a witness recounted. “They beat everyone they could find. It was a total act of vengeance. Yunusa Mohammed was the worst hit. He was bleeding and barely conscious when he was rushed to the hospital.”
Medical officials at the Federal Medical Centre confirmed that Yunusa sustained life-threatening injuries and remains under intensive care.
This is not the first time soldiers have taken the law into their own hands.
In a separate incident recently reported by SaharaReporters, an officer identified as Abdulkadir Musa allegedly led a military raid on Evuti community in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State. The assault, reportedly triggered by a personal dispute involving his fiancée, saw innocent residents beaten and homes ransacked.
Musa, who had returned from Lagos for the Sallah holidays, was said to have been informed by his partner about a young man allegedly having an affair with her. Infuriated, Musa allegedly rallied troops from the Duma military base, stormed the community in a Hilux truck, and launched a brutal house-to-house raid. One source said the soldiers beat everyone in sight and even arrested the suspect’s mother and brother.
“What happened in Evuti is not just alarming—it’s a chilling reminder of the unchecked power some of these officers think they wield. This isn’t military discipline; it’s thuggery in uniform,” a community member lamented.
Both incidents have triggered a wave of condemnation from civil rights groups, community leaders, and social media users who are calling for swift investigations and disciplinary actions against the perpetrators.
Many Nigerians are now demanding that the military high command rein in its officers and address the growing trend of soldiers abusing their authority, especially against civilians whose only ‘crime’ is doing their jobs or getting involved in personal misunderstandings.
These shameful acts of intimidation, violence, and lawlessness by supposed defenders of the people are fast eroding public trust in the military, with critics warning that failure to act decisively could encourage more impunity and unrest.
Calls for Justice: As Yunusa Mohammed fights for survival in the hospital, the nation watches closely—waiting to see whether justice will prevail or if, once again, another case of military brutality will be swept under the rug.
PIONEER NEWS 