Soldiers arrested for alleged murder of NDLEA Officer in Niger

By Bonny Okoh On 6 months ago

Nigerien army soldiers from the 322nd Parachute Regiment practice field tactics during combat training facilitated by U.S. Army Soldiers during exercise Flintlock 2007 in Maradi, Niger, April 6, 2007. The multi-national exercise, which is part of the U.S. State Department's Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership, is an ongoing and long standing military-to-military relationship between Niger and the U.S. that provides an interactive exchange of military, linguistic and intercultural skills for both countries and will also help Niger to respond to threats within and across their borders to maintain security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Larson) (Released)

Four dismissed soldiers have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of Kingsley Chimetalo, a personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Niger State.

The incident occurred on March 9 at Ramat Junction in Bida Local Government Area.

SP Waisu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Niger Command, detailed the events leading to the incident. On March 9, at approximately 6:20 p.m., a team of NDLEA officers was conducting a stop-and-search operation at Ramat Junction when they intercepted two individuals on a motorcycle who claimed to be soldiers but were not in uniform.

The NDLEA officers requested identification, which the suspects failed to provide. Although nothing incriminating was found, a confrontation ensued, prompting the suspects to leave the scene. They later returned with additional men and allegedly attacked the NDLEA officers.

During the altercation, Chimetalo was fatally stabbed in the back with a jackknife, and his firearm was seized. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at the Federal Medical Centre in Bida.

Following the incident, a prompt investigation conducted in collaboration with the 18 Brigade, Nigeria Army Bida, led to the identification of six suspects. They were subsequently court-martialed and dismissed from the military. However, two suspects managed to evade capture.

The arrested suspects were identified as Sani Munzani and Abubakar Auwalu from Kano State, Abubakar Sani from Kebbi State, and Muazu Hassan from Edo State. One of the suspects confessed to stabbing the NDLEA officer.

The suspects were handed over to the police on Monday for prosecution. SP Abiodun stated that they are currently under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna and will be charged in court once the investigation is concluded.

4 army officers arrested for alleged murder of NDLEA Officer in Niger