The Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade in Katsina State has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of one of its personnel, Corporal Ude Jude, dismissing claims circulating online that his death resulted from internal sabotage or neglect.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, Capt. Abayomi Adisa.
Adisa described reports suggesting foul play within the military as misleading and deliberately intended to misinform the public.
He stated that the deceased soldier was not a lieutenant as widely reported, but a corporal who enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 2012 under the 67 Regular Recruit Intake.
The army also clarified that the incident leading to his death did not occur inside the barracks.
“The incident that led to his death did not occur within the barracks as speculated; rather, he sustained injuries outside while deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Funtua,” Adisa said.
According to the army spokesperson, the incident occurred on February 16 at about 8:30 p.m. when the soldier reportedly left his duty post to purchase personal items.
Jude, a native of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was subsequently attacked during the outing.
Further investigations later revealed that the attack resulted from a physical altercation with a civilian following a personal dispute.
Adisa explained that the injured soldier received immediate first aid and was evacuated to the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, where he underwent medical treatment.
Medical reports showed that he suffered stab wounds and other injuries consistent with a violent encounter.
He said the soldier was relieved of duty to allow him to recover fully. However, tragedy struck on March 24, 2026, when the soldier collapsed outside his residence shortly after receiving medical care.
Adisa said, “In spite of weeks of treatment and clinical monitoring, tragedy struck on March 24, 2026, when he collapsed outside his residence shortly after receiving medical care.
“He was rushed back to the Medical Centre but was confirmed dead on arrival.”
Army Supports Bereaved Family
The brigade said its leadership oversaw burial arrangements and provided support to the deceased soldier’s family.
According to the statement, the Garrison Commander supervised the provision of a coffin and mortuary services, while the 82 Division Garrison in Enugu also offered additional institutional support.
The army added that the soldier’s military accoutrements were handed over to his next of kin in line with established procedures.
The brigade also maintained communication with the bereaved family and provided security support during the burial.
Adisa explained that the delay in issuing an official statement was due to the need to verify facts and consult relevant military formations before responding publicly.
He assured that efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack were ongoing.
While mourning the deceased soldier, the brigade reaffirmed its commitment to personnel welfare, professionalism and transparency, urging members of the public to rely only on verified and official sources of information.
