Reports that Nigerian soldiers are accusing a commander in Bauchi State of enforcing “₦500,000 weekly returns
Reports that Nigerian soldiers are accusing a commander in Bauchi State of enforcing “₦500,000 weekly returns
Reports that Nigerian soldiers are accusing a commander in Bauchi State of enforcing “₦500,000 weekly returns” from checkpoints strike at the heart of national security. If true, this is not just corruption it is sabotage. Checkpoints are meant to protect lives, not to run extortion rings.
When soldiers are pressured to meet illegal monetary targets, professionalism collapses. Security becomes a transaction. Criminals pass freely if they pay, while innocent citizens are harassed. Worse still, such practices fund insecurity, weaken morale, and expose troops to public anger and danger.
These are allegations, but they are serious enough to demand an immediate, independent probe. Silence or internal cover-ups will only deepen distrust between citizens and the armed forces and between rank-and-file soldiers and their commanders.
Nigeria’s military carries an honorable duty. That duty is betrayed when any officer turns command into a cash machine. Accountability must be swift and transparent. If the claims are false, clear them publicly. If they are true, prosecute without fear or favor. Rank must not be a shield.
Security cannot be built on extortion.
Integrity is not optional.
Justice must be seen to be done.
