Army refute rumour about killing of Corporal in Katsina

The Headquarters of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has formally cleared the air regarding the death of a soldier under its command, dismissing viral media reports of internal sabotage and neglect as “deliberately crafted to misinform the public.”

In a detailed press statement released on Sunday, Captain Abayomi Adisa, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army which was made available to newsmen, the Brigade identified the deceased as 12NA/67/1706 Corporal Ude Jude, an indigene of Enugu State who enlisted in 2012.

The military clarified that Jude was a Corporal, correcting several media outlets that had erroneously identified him as a Lieutenant.

The statement read, contrary to speculations that the soldier was attacked within the barracks, the Army revealed that the incident occurred on the night of February 16, 2026, while the soldier was deployed at the Funtua Forward Operating Base.

“The soldier reportedly left his duty location to procure personal items when he initially reported being attacked,” the statement read. “Preliminary independent verification suggests that the soldier was involved in a physical altercation with another civilian over a personal dispute that night.”

The Brigade noted that Jude sustained stab-related injuries and trauma consistent with a violent assault. While he initially received treatment and was placed under medical supervision, he tragically collapsed outside his residence on March 24, 2026, and was confirmed dead on arrival at the Medical Centre.

The Army took a firm stance against claims that the soldier was abandoned by his superiors. According to the statement, “the Garrison Commander personally oversaw post-death arrangements, including the provision of a coffin and the settlement of mortuary fees.

“All necessary accouterments and honours befitting the deceased soldier’s service were formally handed over to the next of kin as a mark of respect and recognition of his service to the nation.

“Furthermore, the 82 Division Garrison in Enugu provided security support during the burial to assist the bereaved family” .

Addressing the delay in their official response, the 17 Brigade explained that time was needed to consolidate eyewitness accounts and medical records to ensure “accuracy and prevent the release of unverified details”.

The Army dismissed rumors of “internal sabotage” or “rivalry” as baseless, assuring the public that the search for the civilian assailants continues.

“Efforts to trace, identify, and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the attack remain ongoing, and they will be brought to justice once apprehended, in line with due process of law,” Captain Adisa stated.

The military urged the public and media organisations to rely on official channels for information, warning that unsubstantiated claims only serve to undermine the integrity of the national defense forces.