Nigerian Soldiers Who Extort Money From Farmers, Residents In Terror-Hit Kwara Communities Lands in Trouble
The Nigerian Army has responded to the exclusive reports about widespread extortion allegedly carried out by its personnel stationed in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, vowing to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.
The 22 Armoured Brigade, based in Ilorin, issued a press statement following SaharaReporters’ April 22 report that exposed how troops deployed to border communities are more focused on extorting bribes from farmers and motorists than tackling the growing wave of terror attacks.
The army, while denying the accuracy of the claims, said it has zero tolerance for misconduct and promised to scrutinise the situation.
“We will not tolerate any misconduct or actions that could compromise our values and principles,” said Lieutenant Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Brigade.
“The Brigade assures both internal and external audiences that the allegations will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate administrative actions will be taken.”
Communities like Nanoru, Tumbuyan, and Gwanara have witnessed an alarming rise in armed violence in recent weeks, with residents accusing the Army of abandoning its duty to protect lives and property.
Local sources said that soldiers were erecting illegal checkpoints, harassing locals, and demanding bribes from vulnerable farmers and traders.
“They fired so many times, they appear to have presence in most of our communities now,” a source said, referring to a recent attack.
“Communities like Nanoru, Tumbuyan, and Gwanara are no longer safe. My advice for my people is to remain vigilant henceforth.”
In a region overrun by armed groups posing in military fatigues, some residents have gone as far as demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Nigerian Army from their towns.
“Let the government provide our local vigilante with sufficient firearms to empower them, because the soldiers are just here doing nothing,” one villager told SaharaReporters.
“We urge that the soldiers deployed to our communities for protection be returned to their barracks.”
Even members of Nigeria’s own security infrastructure have expressed shock at the Army’s conduct in the area. A customs officer based in one of the affected communities told SaharaReporters he was personally targeted for extortion by Army personnel at a checkpoint in Chikanda.
“If you visit Chikanda, you will notice that soldiers are present everywhere, stopping innocent farmers and extorting money from them. They will never go after these terrorists,” he said.
“They are not fighting the terrorists they were deployed to our communities to fight. It is like they are here to make money.”
The customs officer added that attackers wearing military uniforms were able to move freely past Army checkpoints during one of the latest assaults.
“My concern is, how come the soldiers deployed could not recognise them?” he asked.
The Nigerian Army, in its official response, maintained that it is committed to transparency.
“It is important to clarify that while the NA respects the right of Nigerians to hold and share opinions, particularly on social media, this right should not be used as a platform to disseminate deliberate falsehoods,” the statement read.
“The NA remains committed to being a professional force that upholds the fundamental human rights of citizens by global best practices.”
