Nigerian Army dismisses soldier over alleged leak of Boko Haram IED attack video

The Nigerian Army has dismissed at least one soldier for allegedly leaking sensitive information, including video evidence, linked to a recent deadly improvised explosive device (IED) attack carried out by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

According to SaharaReporters, the disciplinary action followed the circulation of a video recorded after the IED explosion, which reportedly killed several soldiers near Gubio, a community in Borno State. The footage was said to have shown the aftermath of the attack and was shared without authorisation.

One of the sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the punitive action, saying, “Do you believe that our troops that stepped on IED two weeks ago, the soldier that recorded the video has been dismissed from the service.”

The source further explained the military’s stance on internal disclosures, adding, “You know the problem, if they find out that you’re leaking their secret, the next thing is to dismiss you.”

A photograph obtained by SaharaReporters shows the dismissed soldier displaying a placard with the inscription:

The dismissed soldier was identified as Mansur Adamu, with number 22NA/82/3795 PTE.

Recall that On Monday, January 12, no fewer than nine Nigerian soldiers had been killed following an explosion involving IEDs planted by Boko Haram insurgents near Gubio in Borno State.

A top military source disclosed details of the incident during an exclusive interview, confirming that investigations showed the explosives were planted by Boko Haram.

According to the source, the soldiers were travelling from Maiduguri town when the incident occurred.

The military source further confirmed that several soldiers sustained serious injuries, with deaths recorded after the initial blast.

“Eight died yesterday (Sunday) among those who sustained injuries while one just died this morning,” the source told SaharaReporters after the blast.

Clarifying the nature of the attack, the source stressed that it was not a gun ambush.

“The incident happened at Gubio, not ambush, it was caused by explosive devices,” he said.

He added that casualties were high, noting that “many sustain serious injury,” while confirming that “nine people were confirmed dead already.”

Further details revealed that the affected soldiers were from “145 Damasak under 5 Brigade Maiduguri, Borno State.”

Video and photographs obtained by our correspondent captured the aftermath of the explosion, showing several Nigerian Army personnel lying motionless at the scene, underscoring the devastating impact of the blast.