Fulani gunmen in military uniforms parade hostages in video

DDM News

A harrowing video has surfaced showing armed men, believed to be Fulani kidnappers, dressed in full military camouflage as they paraded victims in an undisclosed location within South-East Nigeria.

The disturbing footage, which began circulating online on May 9, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage and panic among citizens and human rights advocates across the country.

The emergence of the video underscores the worsening security crisis in the region, where residents have repeatedly raised alarm over the increasing activities of violent criminals.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the kidnappers appeared calm and defiant as they showcased the victims, a move seen as a direct challenge to government authority.

The captors, wearing military-style uniforms, further blurred the line between legitimate security personnel and criminal elements, complicating the efforts of law enforcement agencies.

The exact location where the video was recorded remains unknown, but reports suggest it may have occurred along the border areas between Anambra and Enugu States — zones previously flagged for rising insecurity.

The South-East, once considered a relatively peaceful region, has become a hotspot for kidnappings, communal conflicts, and other violent crimes in recent years.

Observers say the latest development shows how deeply insecurity has penetrated the region, with criminals now confident enough to share their atrocities publicly.

Residents are calling on state governors, local vigilante groups, and federal security agencies to urgently unite in confronting the threats facing rural and urban communities.

A concerned citizen who shared the video wrote, “This could happen to anyone. Let’s take extra precautions, especially when traveling outside town.”

Many are advocating for a more coordinated security strategy, including the deployment of forest guards, surveillance teams, and armed patrols across major highways and remote areas.

In recent times, kidnappers operating in the region have abducted travelers, farmers, schoolchildren, and traditional leaders, often demanding ransoms running into millions of naira.

The use of military uniforms by the criminals further complicates the situation, as it enables them to deceive unsuspecting members of the public and evade detection.

Security experts have stressed the need for improved community policing, grassroots intelligence gathering, and real-time response by security forces.

They also recommend that regional governments invest in technology and partnerships with local communities to strengthen the fight against kidnappers and armed gangs.

Social media users have joined in raising awareness by sharing the video and urging others to be cautious and alert.

One viral message read, “As you share this, may God bless you. You may not know it, but you could be saving a life.”

Despite the uproar, authorities have remained largely silent, with no official statement yet from the South-East Governors’ Forum or the Nigerian security agencies.

Critics argue that this silence reflects a worrying lack of urgency in addressing the growing threat posed by these criminal groups.

Human rights groups are calling for a regional security summit to craft a comprehensive plan for protecting communities and rebuilding public trust.

As things stand, many residents rely heavily on local vigilantes and divine protection, as formal security systems struggle to provide safety.

The chilling video is a stark reminder of how quickly Nigeria’s security situation is deteriorating, and how urgent, decisive action is now required.

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