MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — A major security breach has rocked the Nigerian military after nine soldiers escaped from a detention facility inside Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, early Monday morning. The escapees were being held over alleged ties to Boko Haram and involvement in arms trafficking.
Military sources confirmed that the jailbreak occurred around 2:15 a.m. at the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 7th Division. The soldiers had been detained for allegedly supplying weapons to insurgents operating in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northeast.
One of the escapees was reportedly recaptured shortly after fleeing, found hiding in nearby bushland. A manhunt is underway to locate the remaining eight, with military intelligence and local security forces coordinating the search.
“This is a serious breach of internal security,” a senior officer said under condition of anonymity. “It’s alarming that such an incident could happen within a fortified military installation.”
The incident has reignited concerns about infiltration and internal sabotage within the armed forces. Former Chief of Defense Staff, General Leo Irabor (retired), had previously warned of rising cases of military personnel aiding terrorist groups. In a memo circulated during his tenure, Irabor urged commanders to educate troops on the consequences of colluding with insurgents.
The letter, signed on his behalf by a senior officer, cited multiple arrests of soldiers suspected of collaborating with terrorist informants, including a case involving a soldier linked to a known Boko Haram operative in Bama, Borno State.
In a separate 2022 case, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Jibrin, an instructor stationed in Geidam, Yobe State, took his own life after being arrested for allegedly assisting Boko Haram fighters who attacked local communities. He had reportedly gone missing from his post and was later identified among the insurgents during an assault on Geidam.
Security analysts say the latest escape underscores the persistent threat of insider complicity in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. “This isn’t just a jailbreak—it’s a symptom of deeper institutional vulnerabilities,” said one analyst based in Abuja.
Public reaction has been swift and critical. Social media users and civil society groups have demanded a transparent investigation and stronger internal oversight. “If soldiers are aiding terrorists, who’s left to protect the people?” one user posted.
The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for military leadership to address systemic lapses and restore public confidence in its ranks.
