A Nigerian soldier has sparked reactions online after sharing what he described as a personal survival principle he has followed throughout his military career.
In a video circulating on social media, the soldier advised young military personnel never to take valuables or personal belongings from the bodies of dead criminals or insurgents.
He claimed the practice had helped him survive dangerous operations over the years.
Soldier says advice came from his father
Addressing young soldiers, the man said he wanted to share what he considered the “highest secret” for surviving in active service.
According to him, the advice was given to him by his father before he embarked on his first military deployment about 14 years ago.
He explained that his father prayed for him and warned him never to remove any item from the body of anyone killed during an operation.
“The secret my father gave me when I went on my first operation about 14 years ago was simple. After praying for me, he told me never to remove anything from the body of anyone killed during an operation.”
‘Don’t take anything from a dead body’
The soldier stressed that personnel should leave every item found on the deceased, including mobile phones, wristwatches and other valuables.
He said only weapons should be recovered and handed over to the appropriate authorities.
“Don’t remove anything from that deceased’s body. Don’t take phones, wristwatches or anything at all. Leave the person with those items. Even the weapon should be picked up properly and returned to the authorities.”
According to him, he believes criminals carry a curse, and anyone who takes their belongings may also inherit that curse.
“A criminal is already cursed. Anything on the person’s body is cursed. Once you take it, that curse follows you.”
Soldier recounts surviving gunshot wounds
The soldier also claimed he had survived several life-threatening injuries while serving in combat.
Pointing to different parts of his body, he said he had sustained gunshot wounds to his head and stomach during operations but survived.
He attributed his survival to God’s grace and his decision never to take items from dead bodies.
“People ask why I am still alive. I have been shot in the head and in the stomach, but I survived. I keep this principle and I thank God for His grace.”
Advice extended to other security personnel
The soldier urged members of other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to avoid taking belongings from deceased persons during operations.
He concluded by reminding security personnel that no material possession is worth risking their lives for.
“Don’t take anything from any deceased person. Your life comes first. That is the greatest advice I can give to every young soldier.”
Watch the video here…
A must-watch video showing a Nigerian soldier delivering a strong message to newly recruited soldiers, revealing what has kept him alive throughout his 14 years of service. 🇳🇬🪖
This is worth watching. Repost! 🔁 pic.twitter.com/g921MbGneC
— CrownprinceCom2 (@CrownprinceCom2) July 23, 2026
