Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Nigerian Army soldier has been detained after allegedly abandoning his duty post and firing indiscriminately in Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving two civilians injured in the latest incident raising concerns about discipline among troops deployed in the counter-insurgency theatre.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, according to security sources who spoke with Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region. The soldier was identified as Private Lawan Abubakar of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion deployed in Ngoshe. Sources said he left his duty post without authorisation and travelled to Pulka town.
Upon arrival in Pulka, the soldier allegedly fired several rounds indiscriminately around the Pulka Market area, injuring two civilians. Troops of the 192 Battalion swiftly responded to the incident, disarmed the soldier and took him into custody. The injured civilians were evacuated to the General Hospital in Gwoza, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The soldier has since been transferred to the Headquarters of the 26 Task Force Brigade for further investigation and possible disciplinary action. Military authorities have not released an official statement on the matter, but the swift detention of the soldier and the initiation of military justice procedures indicate that the incident is being treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The incident highlights the challenges facing the Nigerian military in maintaining discipline among its ranks, particularly in the North-East, where troops are deployed in a high-stress counter-insurgency environment. Incidents of this nature risk undermining public trust in the military and eroding the gains made in the fight against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The Pulka market shooting comes at a time when the military is intensifying operations to clear remnants of terrorist groups from the Lake Chad region and restore stability to Borno State.
The military has yet to officially comment on the case, but sources have confirmed that Private Abubakar is in custody and that an investigation is underway. The outcome of the military proceedings is expected to determine the soldier's fate, with the possibility of a court martial and a severe sentence if found guilty. For the two injured civilians, the road to recovery has just begun, but the incident has already left a lasting scar on the community.
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