VIDEO: Soldier Who Accused Nigerian Govt Of Enabling Banditry By Paying Ransoms Has Been Sacked
A Nigerian soldier who alleged that the government’s practice of paying ransoms to bandits is hindering the military’s ability to effectively combat them has been dismissed from service.
Suleiman Samaila, in a viral video clip recorded in August, claimed that bandits are emboldened to kidnap and set ransom terms, knowing the government will pay.
He stated, “People should stop seeing the faults of the Nigerian Army and their personnel. Stop blaming the Nigerian military, we take orders.”
In the video, Samaila emphasised that soldiers cannot take independent action. He expressed frustration that the military’s potential is wasted due to a lack of direction from its leadership.
He argued that the military has the capability to eradicate bandits, particularly in hotspots like the forests of Zamfara State, saying, “If our leaders give us the directive to face these bandits head-on, we will finish them in a week.”
He said, “What is Zamfara State forest, for God’s sake, that we (Nigerian Army) cannot secure?
“We (Nigerian Army) have the training, and machinery that bandits don’t have. So just forget Nigeria.
“It is our leaders that know what our country Nigeria is into and they also know what is happening in Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is peaceful, they (leaders) will not get the monetary benefit which they are enjoying as a result of the insecurity ravaging the country.
“Today, look at Maiduguri, the Borno State headquarters, insecurity has become a history there. Who will bring an end to the insecurity in Maiduguri? The Nigerian Army.”
Since his dismissal, Samaila has released another video clip, pleading for financial assistance from Nigerians.
He said, “Since I was dismissed, I don’t have anything to survive.”
He asked for public donations to help him during this challenging time.
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He pointed to successes in Maiduguri, where military efforts have led to significant reduction in insecurity, even causing some bandits to surrender.
Samaila’s allegations of a larger conspiracy, particularly regarding the assassination of the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State, raise questions about transparency in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against banditry.
