A Nigerian Army corporal, identified as Irabo, has been killed by gunmen wearing military uniforms at a checkpoint in Edo State.
According to a security source, the incident occurred on Tuesday while the soldier was travelling back to Abuja after his official pass expired. The vehicle conveying him was reportedly stopped at a checkpoint operated by armed men suspected to be criminals posing as military personnel.
The attackers allegedly ordered all passengers to identify themselves. Believing the men were genuine soldiers, Corporal Irabo identified himself as a serving member of the Nigerian Army. He was immediately shot by the assailants.
“The soldier was on his way back to his unit when the vehicle was stopped at the checkpoint. Thinking the men were his colleagues, he identified himself and was shot,” the source said.
The corporal was confirmed dead at the scene, while the attackers fled immediately after the incident.
The killing has renewed concerns over the growing presence of fake checkpoints and the misuse of military uniforms by criminal groups along major highways in Nigeria.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Edo State Police Command had issued an official statement on the incident.
