A major security breach occurred early Monday at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, as nine Nigerian Army personnel being held over alleged ties to Boko Haram escaped from custody, military sources have confirmed.
The incident reportedly took place around 2:15am in the guardroom of the 7 Division headquarters located within the barracks.
According to credible military insiders, the soldiers were detained for allegedly engaging in arms trafficking and maintaining links with terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
> “Nine personnel detained mostly for dealing in arms running with terrorists escaped,” one senior security source revealed.
“One of them has since been recaptured in the bush. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining eight.”
Another source described the development as “a shameful and serious security breach”, particularly because it happened inside a military facility.
This incident comes amid ongoing concerns about internal compromise within Nigeria’s security system. Former Chief of Defence Staff General Leo Irabor (retd.), in a directive to field commanders while in office, warned against the rising cases of military personnel aiding insurgents, urging commanders to intensify sensitisation and vigilance.
Past reports have highlighted similar cases. In 2022, a soldier identified as Lance Corporal Abdullahi Jibrin, who was allegedly linked to Boko Haram attacks in Yobe State, reportedly took his own life after being apprehended.
The Nigerian Army has yet to publicly comment on the latest escape, but search operations for the fugitives are said to be ongoing.
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