*OFFICIAL STATEMENT: 14 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY*
*FALSE CLAIM: Soldier Shoots Trailer Driver Over 1000 Naira*
The attention of 14 Brigade Nigerian Army has been drawn to a false and misleading claim circulating on social media, alleging that a Nigerian Army soldier shot a trailer driver over 1000 naira along Uratta Express Way in Aba.
This claim is entirely false and does not represent the values of the Nigerian Army.
The true facts of the incident are as follows:
At around midnight on 7 April 2026, a truck with registration number 7865, transiting from Akwa Ibom State to Abia State, was involved in a road traffic accident with a motorcycle carrying 2 civilians at Ogbor Hill. The driver attempted to flee the scene, but was pursued by troops of 144 Battalion (Rear) deployed at Flyover, who were alerted by a civilian vehicle also pursuing the truck.
During the pursuit, the truck failed to stop, and one of the soldiers deployed around Timber Market fired a warning shot in an attempt to stop the suspect who was approaching their location. Unfortunately, the bullet accidentally hit the truck driver, Mr Kelechi Ejiofor. on the leg. The driver was immediately evacuated to Rapha Hospital for treatment, while the case was reported to the Nigerian Police at Uratta.
The Nigerian Army regrets the unfortunate incident and assures the public of its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.
We urge the public to disregard the false claim and assure that a joint investigation with the Nigerian Police is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
*MUYIWA AYARA*
Captain for Assistant Director Army Public Relations
14 Brigade Nigerian Army
Ohafia
