Army Responds to Extortion Claims After Checkpoint Incident in Delta State

The Headquarters 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has denied claims of extortion and assault involving its personnel during a checkpoint incident in Ibusa, Delta State. The Brigade stated that a viral video about the event is misleading and insisted that its troops acted professionally.

The incident took place around 10 PM on November 3, following reports of violence related to local cult groups. To address security issues in Ibusa, where residents have faced repeated armed robberies and unrest, soldiers set up a temporary checkpoint.

According to the military’s statement, three men approached the checkpoint but did not stop for identification checks. One of the men allegedly tried to grab a soldier’s rifle but ended up injuring his hand. The troops provided first aid and took the injured man and his companions to a nearby pharmacy before bringing them to the Brigade’s headquarters for further medical care.

The military’s preliminary investigation revealed that the three men admitted to being involved in cult activities and internet fraud. Despite these findings, the Brigade firmly rejected any claims that its personnel demanded money from the men, stating that such actions go against the Army’s professional standards.

The Brigade also questioned the credibility of the person who shared the video, alleging he is a fugitive living in Ghana and was not present during the incident. They accused him of trying to undermine security forces through false reports.

The Commander of 63 Brigade urged residents to stay calm and ignore unverified information. He encouraged the public to continue sharing reliable information with security agencies. The Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety in Ibusa and warned criminals to cease their activities or face legal consequences.