Nigerian Army Rejects Extortion Claims Over Ibusa Checkpoint Confrontation

The Headquarters 63 Brigade, operating under Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, has firmly rejected allegations of extortion and assault leveled against its personnel. The military response follows a viral video circulating across social media platforms regarding a tense checkpoint encounter in Ibusa, situated within the Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. According to military authorities, the video misrepresents the sequence of events and attempts to discredit the professional standards upheld by troops deployed to maintain public order in the region.

According to an official statement released by the Brigade, the incident unfolded late in the evening on November 3 following reports of heightened cult-related violence and criminal unrest in the community. In response to these security concerns, troops established a temporary snap checkpoint to conduct routine identification checks and screen motorists. The military reported that three men approached the checkpoint but allegedly refused to comply with instructions to stop for proper security verification.

During the ensuing encounter, authorities claimed that one of the individuals attempted to seize a service rifle from a soldier. While the attempt to take the weapon failed, the suspect successfully dislodged the rifle magazine and sustained a minor hand injury from its sharp edges. Military personnel immediately provided medical assistance, taking the injured man and his companions to a nearby facility for first aid before transferring them to the brigade headquarters for further investigation and medical care.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the military allegedly revealed that the three individuals were linked to cult activities and internet fraud. The Brigade explicitly dismissed claims that its personnel demanded money from the suspects, emphasizing that extortion violates the core values and operational ethics of the Nigerian Army. Furthermore, military officials questioned the credibility of the person who shared the video online, alleging that the footage was distributed by an individual residing abroad with a history of publishing content intended to undermine security forces.

The commander of the 63 Brigade urged residents of Ibusa and the wider public to remain calm and dismiss unverified online reports while continuing to support security operations with reliable information. Reaffirming the military's dedication to safeguarding lives and property within the law, authorities warned criminal elements and cult groups to cease their illicit activities or face severe legal consequences as security personnel continue collaborative patrols across the area.

Source reporting: Punch — 2026-11-05 12:27:40