A witness has made fresh allegations about the death of Private Umar Aliyu, popularly known as “Black Warrior,” in Kaduna State. The Special Forces soldier died after a confrontation with officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The Umar Aliyu NDLEA Kaduna case has since sparked wide public reaction.
According to the witness, the officers shot the soldier twice before they beat him with sticks and fired a third shot. He claimed one officer also marched on the soldier while he lay on the ground. Furthermore, the witness said the soldier was still alive after the first shots, so he ran into a nearby shop that sells Indomie and snacks.
The witness alleged that the officers followed him into the shop. There, they reportedly found his phone and ID card, which fell to the ground. After they confirmed he was a trained Special Forces soldier, the witness claimed, they shot him again.
Most importantly, the witness insisted that the officers did not take the soldier to a hospital. Instead, he alleged, they threw him into the back of their vehicle and drove him to their division. He claimed the soldier was already dead when the division received him. He also said the Nigerian Army, not the NDLEA, took the body to a hospital, and he demanded proof to the contrary.
Meanwhile, reports indicate the altercation began when NDLEA operatives arrested a friend of the off-duty soldier. Some accounts say an argument followed, and that the soldier allegedly drew a blade or threatened the officers. The witness account disputes this version of events.
On the official side, reports say NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the suspension of the commander who led the operation. Reports also say NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) ordered an investigation. In addition, NDLEA headquarters has reportedly sent a delegation to meet the soldier’s family. Military police and NDLEA internal affairs are said to be reviewing whether the officers breached rules of engagement.
However, neither the Nigerian Army nor the NDLEA has released a full public statement. Sojworldnews could not independently verify the witness’s claims, and the investigation is ongoing. We will update this story as official information emerges.
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