The Nigerian Army’s 7 Division in Maiduguri has verified the arrest of a soldier who is suspected of killing a truck driver at a checkpoint on the Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gabouru road.

A misunderstanding between the truck driver and the soldier at the checkpoint led to the incident.

NAN reports that commercial drivers have boycotted the busy border road in protest at the Boxing Day tragedy, leaving many travellers stranded.

Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina, the 7 Division Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday. He stated that the army had started an investigation following a complaint from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“Furthermore, engagement has been established with NURTW towards a peaceful resolution of the incident.

“The Division has assured both the family of the deceased and the NURTW of its commitment to ensure that justice is served to the family and no stone would be left unturned in this regard.

“In the Division’s effort towards ensuring that the family of the victim gets justice, the soldier in question has been arrested, and an investigation has commenced.

“It’s also worthy to mention that the Division does not tolerate any form of unprofessional conduct from any personnel as we operate within the ambit of the law.

“The Division wishes to once again reassure the members of the general public that we will remain resolute and professional in the joint effort to tackle insecurity in Borno State,” Jingina said.

In response to the incident, the Borno government also stated that it was investigating the case to guarantee that justice was served through Prof. Usman Tar, Commissioner of Information and Internal Security.

“The Government is following up on this matter and will take all necessary measures to ensure that the matter is properly investigated and suspects are prosecuted. Anyone who is found guilty will face the full wrath of the law.

“Meanwhile, the Borno State Government has urged the general public and in particular, members of the Road Transport Workers Union, to maintain patience and decorum while the matter is handled according to the law,” Tar pleaded.

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