By Okafor Joseph Afam
December 19, 2024

Private Mohammed Idris, a medical personnel member with the Nigerian Army, has reportedly been detained for nine months without trial after exposing his colleague’s alleged collaboration with the terrorist group Boko Haram. Multiple military sources revealed the details to SaharaReporters.

Idris, with military number 19NA/78/3048, is attached to the 7 Division Military Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State. According to sources, he raised an alarm after Corporal Agbo, a military police officer, used Idris’ phone to enable a Boko Haram member under custody to contact his associates and family.

Incident Details

The incident occurred when Agbo was tasked with guarding a hospitalized Boko Haram detainee. Under the guise of an emergency, Agbo reportedly borrowed Idris’ phone and gave it to the terrorist to make calls. Days later, a contact from the terrorist’s network called back on Idris’ phone, prompting him to report the incident to military authorities.

“Agbo asked for Idris’ phone to make a call. Trusting his colleague, Idris handed it over. However, Agbo gave the phone to the terrorist, who contacted his associates and family,” a source explained.

Both Idris and Agbo were subsequently detained. During investigations, it emerged that Agbo received money from the terrorist’s relatives. Despite these revelations, Agbo was released after three months and reinstated into the military, while Idris remains in detention.

Alleged Cover-Up and Abuse

Sources further alleged that Idris has faced intimidation and physical abuse while in custody, with attempts made to coerce him into altering his initial statement.

“The military police commander and a sergeant tried to force Idris to change his statement. When he refused, they transferred him to another detention facility in Maiduguri,” the source added.

Idris’ prolonged detention without trial has sparked calls for intervention by senior military officers, including the Chief of Defense Staff, General S.G. Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. O.O. Oluyede.

Broader Implications

The case has drawn attention to systemic issues within the Nigerian military, including arbitrary detentions and a lack of transparency in addressing allegations of misconduct.

“This injustice dampens the morale of soldiers on the front lines against terrorism,” a source said.

Instances of similar detentions have been previously reported, raising concerns about accountability and the rule of law within the armed forces.

Idris’ case highlights the urgent need for reform, as the military continues to grapple with internal challenges amidst ongoing security threats.