Bauchi soldiers accuse commanding officer of forcing checkpoint troops to remit ₦500,000 weekly returns allegedly
Soldiers serving with the 133 Special Forces Battalion in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have accused their Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. A.K. Kachalla, of forcing troops deployed to checkpoints to remit weekly financial “returns” of up to ₦500,000 or risk being removed from their posts.
The allegations were made by multiple military sources who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity on Wednesday.
According to one source, soldiers are routinely deployed to checkpoints along major routes, including Kano Road, Maiduguri Road, Dambam, and Jama’are, with the expectation that they collect money from passengers and motorists.
“Soldiers will be deployed to a checkpoint to be collecting money from passengers and a commanding officer will be waiting for return of ₦500,000 every week,” the source alleged. “If the soldiers didn’t meet up with the demands, they will change them immediately from the checkpoint and bring new soldiers.”
Another source described the practice as systemic and sustained, claiming it began shortly after Lt. Col. Kachalla assumed command of the battalion.
“Since this CO took over, things have gone from bad to worse,” the source said.
“Apart from the extortion at checkpoints, we don’t have regular electricity supply anymore. We only have light for about four hours out of 24 hours.”
The sources further alleged that water supply within the barracks has collapsed, placing severe hardship on soldiers’ families.
“There is no water in the barracks. Women are suffering seriously just to get water for daily use,” one soldier said.
They contrasted the current situation with conditions under a former commander, Lt. Col. P.O. Mukoro, now a colonel.
“We remember during Lt. Col. P.O. Mukoro, now Col. P.O. Mukoro, we enjoyed 24 hours light and water everywhere,” a source said. “He is one of the best commanding officers the unit has ever had, and we are still missing him till now.”
The soldiers called on the military high command to urgently intervene.
“We are calling on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the removal of Lt. Col. A.K. Kachalla as the Commanding Officer of 133 SF BN,” one source said.
They also demanded an independent investigation into alleged extortion linked to checkpoint deployments.
“The issue of checkpoint deployment return must be properly investigated,” another source insisted. “This is damaging the image of the Army and destroying morale among soldiers
About the Author
