A serving soldier of the Nigerian Army, identified as Lance Corporal Chukwu Ebuka, has been accused of robbing an unidentified man of N4,999,000 while armed with axes.

SaharaReporters gathered that the suspect claimed to be attached to the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia, Abia State.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the soldier was seen being interrogated by a superior officer after he was apprehended.

He was reportedly caught in possession of two axes and a pair of handcuffs allegedly used in carrying out the operation.

During the questioning, the suspect appeared confused when asked about his identity and service timeline.

When asked to state his name, he said, “Lance Corporal Chukwu Ebuka.”
The officer further questioned him on the justification for his actions.
“How did you see what you did?” the officer asked.

“It’s very, very wrong of me,” the soldier admitted.

The officer, visibly angered, condemned the act, saying, “How can you go and carry someone for nothing? Look at the kind of axe you used on your fellow human being. And the ripping of everything he had.”

When asked how much money was taken from the victim, the suspect replied, “Four million nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand.”

The officer pointed to the handcuffs allegedly used in restraining the victim and rebuked the soldier.

“This is a handcuff you used on him for doing nothing against you because somebody called you. And you are a serving soldier,” the officer said.

He further lamented the damage such actions cause to the image of the Nigerian Army.

“It’s unfortunate. You guys are not representing us well. Some of you are not representing us well. I can imagine—that’s why at times they will be insulting us for nothing,” he said.

“I can imagine you left your duty post and were gallivanting around. Now look at what you have caused yourself. Look at the level you have gotten yourself to. It’s unfortunate. I just pray that this matter ends well.”

When asked to describe his actions, the soldier admitted wrongdoing.
“My action was an illegal action. It was not right of me. It was an illegal action, sir,” he said.

On whether he acted alone, the suspect disclosed that another soldier was involved.
“Sir, it’s only me and one soldier,” he said.

Asked to name the accomplice, he responded, “The name of the soldier… I think he said his name is Ifeanyi. He is my senior. He is serving at 13th Brigade.”

When questioned about his share of the proceeds, the suspect said he received N1.5million.
“1.5million,” he confirmed.
The officer then posed a moral question, asking how he would feel if his own younger brother was subjected to such treatment—accosted, assaulted with axes, handcuffed, beaten, and forced to transfer N4.9million.
“It’s unfortunate,” the soldier replied.
When asked if he knew that his actions amounted to armed robbery, he responded, “I know, sir.”

The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing the report.

However, the development has raised serious concerns about discipline, accountability, and criminal conduct among some personnel within the force.