Army Denies Extortion Allegations Against Soldiers at Ibusa Checkpoint in Delta

The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations of extortion and assault against its personnel following a checkpoint incident in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Headquarters 63 Brigade, Sector 1 Joint Task Force (South South), Operation DELTA SAFE, described a viral social media video about the incident as misleading, insisting that its troops acted professionally while responding to a security situation in the community.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba, Iliyasu Rijau, the military said the incident occurred at about 10pm on November 3, following reports of cult-related violence in the area.

According to the Brigade, troops had established a temporary checkpoint as part of efforts to address recurring security challenges in Ibusa, including cult clashes, armed robbery and communal unrest.

The statement explained that three men approached the checkpoint but allegedly refused to stop for identification and routine security checks.

It further claimed that one of the men attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle during the encounter but only managed to pull out its magazine, sustaining an injury to his hand from its sharp edges.

“The troops promptly evacuated the injured individual and his two companions to a nearby pharmacy for first aid before taking them to Headquarters 63 Brigade for further medical attention and investigation,” the statement said.

The Brigade added that preliminary investigations indicated that the three men had confessed to involvement in cult-related activities and internet fraud.

However, the military rejected claims that its personnel demanded money from the individuals, maintaining that extortion was inconsistent with the professional standards of the Nigerian Army.

“Extortion or demanding money from members of the public is against the professional standards and values of the Nigerian Army,” the statement added.

The Brigade also questioned the credibility of the individual who circulated the viral video, alleging that he was an IPOB fugitive residing in Ghana and had not been present during the incident.

It further accused the individual of repeatedly publishing materials aimed at discrediting security agencies.

The Commander of 63 Brigade urged residents of Ibusa and the general public to remain calm, disregard unverified reports and continue providing credible information to security agencies.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property in the area in accordance with the law, while warning individuals involved in cultism and other criminal activities to desist or face prosecution.