Army weapon trainer arrested for joining ISWAP kills self

An official of the Nigerian Army identified as Lance Corporal Jubril, has reportedly committed suicide after being arrested over his alleged connection with the Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists in Gaidam, Yobe State.

Jubril, a weapon instructor at the Army Battalion in Gaidam, was said to have been suspected by his colleagues following his absence from duty.

A source said his phone was tracked and it was established he was conspiring with ISWAP terrorists.

The source said, “His colleagues began to suspect him when he went missing from duty for two days. His position was so crucial that you would not notice when he was not available.  Some of his colleagues also said they saw him among the terrorists who attacked two separate local joints in Gaidam.

“His phone was later tracked and signal was immediately sent to the Army base in Gashua, a neighbouring town and a manhunt was launched for him. He was on his way to Gombe State when he was arrested at the checkpoint.

“He used his skills as a weapon instructor, snatched a gun from one of those who arrested him and shot himself.”

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Kennedy Anyanwu, confirmed the incident.

Anyanwu said, “The sector has commenced a full scale investigation to unravel the circumstances that surrounded that incident.  The investigation will also look into his accomplices.”

A news website,  PRNigeria, while quoting a  military source said  some civilian collaborators had been arrested.

Anyanwu, however, declined further comment on the incident.