The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri has confirmed the arrest of a soldier for allegedly killing a truck driver at a checkpoint along Maiduguri -Dikwa-Gamboru Road.
The incident allegedly occurred following a misunderstanding between the soldier and the truck driver at the checkpoint, reports NAN.
The incident, which occurred on Boxing Day, has led to a boycott of the busy border road in protest by commercial drivers, leaving many travellers stranded.
Confirming the arrest today in a statement, the 7 Division Public Relations Officer, Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina, said the Army had commenced an investigation after receiving a complaint from the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
The statement reads, “Furthermore, engagement has been established with NURTW towards a peaceful resolution of the incident.
“The division has assured both the family of the deceased and the NURTW of its commitment to ensure that justice is served to the family and no stone would be left unturned in this regard.
“In the division’s effort towards ensuring that the family of the victim gets justice, the soldier in question has been arrested, and an investigation has commenced.
“It’s also worth mentioning that the division does not tolerate any form of unprofessional conduct from any personnel as we operate within the ambit of the law.
“The division wishes to reassure the members of the general public once again that we will remain resolute and professional in the joint effort to tackle insecurity in Borno State.”
Also reacting to the incident, the Borno State Government, through the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said it was following up on the matter to ensure justice.
“The government is following up on this matter and will take all necessary measures to ensure that the matter is properly investigated and suspects are prosecuted. Anyone who is found guilty will face the full wrath of the law.
“Meanwhile, the Borno State Government urges the general public, particularly members of the Road Transport Workers Union, to maintain patience and decorum while the matter is handled according to the law,” Tar pleaded.
The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army is the youngest division among the 6 divisions of the Nigerian Army.
The division was established to decisively counter the threat of insurgency, terrorism and armed banditry prevalent in the North Eastern part of the country.
As obtained by our correspondent from the military website, it became operational on Aug 22, 2013, with its area of operational responsibilities covering three North Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
