The Nigerian Army has refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting it recently arrested a Nigerien arms dealer, Shehu Ali Kachalla, during operations in Zamfara State.

According to the Army, the viral video being shared is not only outdated but also misleading, falsely portraying alleged collusion between soldiers and arms traffickers in supplying weapons to terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army clarified that the footage is from 2021 and has no connection to any current military operation.

She explained that Shehu Ali Kachalla, a 30-year-old Nigerien national, was apprehended by the Zamfara State Police Command on May 14, 2021. His arrest followed a joint intelligence-led operation involving the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force. During interrogation, Kachalla reportedly admitted to supplying over 450 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition to criminal groups operating across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger States.

Lt. Colonel Anele stressed that the re-emergence of the video appears intended to misinform the public and cast aspersions on the military’s ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations. She also affirmed that the Nigerian Army maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance on unprofessional conduct, adding that any personnel found culpable in such matters are subjected to disciplinary measures in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant military regulations.

She further clarified that although the suspect in the 2021 arrest made claims implicating an unnamed security officer, no personnel of the Nigerian Army was arrested or found complicit.

“The public is hereby advised to disregard the recirculated video, as it is outdated and misleading,” she said.

The Army also appealed to content creators and social media influencers to verify the accuracy and timeliness of materials before dissemination to prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to uphold its constitutional duty of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also pledged continued collaboration with other security agencies and local communities in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other threats to national security.