The Nigerian military is investigating the escape of nine soldiers from a guardroom at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, a key base in the fight against insurgency.
The incident, which occurred early Monday at around 2:15 a.m., has sparked confusion within the cantonment and raised serious concerns about internal security lapses.
The escapees were reportedly detained over serious national security concerns, including alleged links to Boko Haram and involvement in illegal arms supply to terrorist groups in the region.
One of the soldiers has been rearrested in a nearby bush, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining eight escapees.
A military source described the jailbreak as a “major security breach” and expressed alarm over such an incident occurring within a military barracks.
The escape has reignited fears about insider threats within the Nigerian military. Cases of personnel aiding terrorists have been a recurring issue.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor (retd.), had previously warned commanders about rising instances of collaboration with insurgents.
A circulated memo from his tenure highlighted specific cases, including a soldier arrested for working with a terrorist informant in Borno State.
In 2022, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Jibrin, an instructor in Yobe State, reportedly collaborated with Boko Haram insurgents before taking his own life after being arrested.
Insider activities have consistently undermined military operations, strengthening insurgent networks and complicating the fight against terrorism in the North-East.
The recent escape has intensified public scrutiny of security measures within military facilities.
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