Angry Mob Brutally Attacks Nigerian Soldier Mistaken For Bandit In Kaduna

A Nigerian Army officer, Muhammad Abdulrauf, popularly known as “Didan Tero,” is currently fighting for his life after he was reportedly attacked by an angry mob in Mai Gero community, Kaduna State, following allegations that he was mistaken for a bandit.

The soldier, who belongs to the Nigerian Army's 21NA intake and is widely recognised within the Jaji military community as a “Barrack Boy,” was initially reported dead after the incident. Reports circulating on social media and several local platforms claimed he had been killed by residents.

However, fresh information indicates that Abdulrauf survived the assault and is receiving intensive medical care at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the soldier sustained severe injuries after being beaten by residents who allegedly suspected him to be a member of a criminal gang responsible for a series of attacks and kidnappings in the area.

Videos obtained after the incident reportedly captured the moment an angry crowd descended on the soldier, while subsequent footage recorded on Thursday showed him lying critically injured on a hospital bed.

A source who spoke on the incident explained that heightened insecurity and recurring attacks by armed groups in the community may have fueled the residents’ reaction.

“The residents thought he was a bandit because of the way he dressed. So they said he was among the people who recently kidnapped people in the community,” the source said.

According to the source, communities in parts of Kaduna remain on edge due to the activities of notorious bandit groups, making residents highly suspicious of unfamiliar individuals.

“If you can remember, there is a popular bandit in Kaduna terrorising the area. His name is Dogo. The bandit was captured by us last year and the news went viral. But this new tragic incident happened on Wednesday,” the source added.

The source further revealed that Abdulrauf is deployed to Maiduguri, Borno State, where he is involved in military operations in the North-East. He was said to be on leave at the time the incident occurred.

“He is serving in the North-East in Maiduguri. He is on leave. But we don’t really know what took him to Kaduna State,” the source stated.

Preliminary accounts suggest that the soldier’s mode of dressing may have contributed to the misunderstanding that led to the attack.

“The soldier dressed improperly. He wore trousers that looked like the type Boko Haram members wear. That is why when the civilians saw him, they thought he was a bandit and this was why they attempted to kill him,” the source explained.

The source also dismissed widespread claims that Abdulrauf had died, insisting that although he remains in critical condition, he is alive and undergoing treatment.

“A lot of people think he is dead. Even local news platforms reported he is dead and a lot of posts on social media said the same thing,” the source said.

“But I can confirm to you that he is alive. The soldier was later rushed to the 44 Army Hospital in Kaduna State and he’s still alive.”