Soldiers Detained Over Alleged Boko Haram Links Escape Custody in Borno

A serious security breach has rocked the Nigerian Army following the escape of nine soldiers detained over alleged links with Boko Haram terrorists from a military facility in Borno State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at Maimalari Cantonment, the headquarters of the Army’s 7th Division in Maiduguri. According to military sources, the soldiers were being held for interrogation over their alleged involvement in arms trafficking and collaboration with terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East.

“There was a jailbreak around 2:15 a.m. at Maimalari Cantonment. Nine personnel detained mostly for arms running with terrorists escaped,” a senior officer told reporters.

Security sources confirmed that one of the escapees was later rearrested, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining eight. The Army has since launched an internal investigation into how the escape occurred within a heavily guarded military facility.

Another officer described the development as “a major embarrassment,” stressing that such an incident inside a secure military barracks raises concerns about internal discipline and the integrity of detention procedures.

This latest breach comes amid growing concerns about insider collusion within the armed forces. Former Chief of Defence Staff General Leo Irabor had previously warned against rising cases of personnel aiding and abetting terrorists and bandits across various military operations.

In a directive issued during his tenure, Irabor urged commanders to sensitise their troops on the dangers and consequences of collaborating with the enemy, citing several arrests of soldiers for aiding insurgents.

Past incidents have further highlighted this problem. In 2022, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Jibrin, an army instructor in Yobe State, took his own life after being arrested for allegedly working with Boko Haram insurgents who attacked Geidam town.

The Nigerian Army has not yet issued an official statement on the latest escape, but internal efforts are underway to strengthen security across detention facilities and prevent future breaches.