The Nigerian Army has debunked a viral video making the rounds on social media that allegedly shows the recent arrest of a foreign arms dealer in Zamfara State, describing the footage as outdated and misleading.
The clarification was contained in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja on Thursday.
Anele explained that the video in circulation actually dates back more than three years.
According to Anele, the clip depicts the arrest of Shehu Ali Kachalla, a 30‑year‑old Nigerien, who was apprehended by the Zamfara State Police Command on May 14, 2021.
She revealed that Kachalla was captured 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, she said, had confessed to having illegally supplied over 450 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition to criminal elements across Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger States.
Anele further stated, “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.”
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Reiterating the Army’s disciplinary stance, she added, “The Nigerian Army maintains a zero‑tolerance policy for unprofessional conduct, 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.”
Addressing allegations raised in the old case, she said, “While the suspect in the 2021 case alleged collusion by unnamed security personnel, no Nigerian Army personnel was indicted or arrested in connection with the matter.”
Anele urged Nigerians to disregard the viral footage, warning against the spread of unverified materials.
She appealed to social media users and content creators to verify sources before posting:
“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.”