Army Dismisses Mansur Adamu for Leaking Video of Boko Haram IED Attack, Sparks National Outrage

The Nigerian Army has dismissed a soldier, identified as Mansur Adamu, for allegedly leaking a video linked to a deadly improvised explosive device (IED) attack carried out by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State. The decision has ignited widespread debate across the country, with Nigerians sharply divided over issues of military discipline, transparency, and the treatment of frontline troops.

According to reports by SaharaReporters, the dismissal followed the circulation of a video reportedly recorded in the aftermath of an IED explosion near Gubio, Borno State, which claimed the lives of several Nigerian soldiers. Top military sources confirmed that the footage, said to show the grim consequences of the blast, was traced back to one of the soldiers involved in the operation.

A senior military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the punitive action, stating, “Do you believe that our troops that stepped on IED two weeks ago, the soldier that recorded the video has been dismissed from the service.” The source further explained that the Nigerian Army maintains a strict policy against the unauthorized release of operational information, adding, “If they find out that you’re leaking their secret, the next thing is to dismiss you.”

Photographs obtained alongside the report showed the dismissed soldier holding a placard bearing his name and service details. He was identified as Mansur Adamu, with service number 22NA/82/3795 PTE, confirming his status as a private in the Nigerian Army.

The development is closely tied to a deadly incident earlier reported on January 12, when Boko Haram insurgents detonated IEDs along a route used by Nigerian soldiers near Gubio. According to military sources, the troops were traveling from Maiduguri when they drove into the explosive device planted by the insurgents.

Initial investigations confirmed that the attack was not a gun ambush but a carefully planted explosive. “The incident happened at Gubio, not ambush, it was caused by explosive devices,” a military source disclosed. The aftermath was devastating, with several soldiers sustaining critical injuries.

Further updates revealed that no fewer than nine soldiers lost their lives, some dying immediately from the blast while others succumbed to their injuries later. “Eight died yesterday among those who sustained injuries while one just died this morning,” the source told SaharaReporters at the time. The affected troops were said to be from 145 Battalion, Damasak, under 5 Brigade, Maiduguri.

Videos and photographs from the scene, which later surfaced online, showed Nigerian Army personnel lying motionless along the road, highlighting the severity of the explosion and the vulnerability of troops operating in insurgency-hit areas.

However, rather than focusing public attention solely on the attack itself, the dismissal of Mansur Adamu has shifted the conversation toward deeper issues within Nigeria’s military structure. Many Nigerians questioned why a soldier who exposed the realities of the battlefield was punished, while others argued that discipline and chain of command must be preserved at all costs.

Online reactions reflected this divide. Some commentators praised the Army for enforcing its rules, insisting that leaking sensitive operational material could endanger lives and compromise national security. “He knew the terms of his service. Glad he was kicked out,” one commenter wrote, echoing the view that professionalism must override sentiment.

On the other hand, critics accused the military high command of prioritising secrecy and propaganda over accountability. Several Nigerians argued that the leaked video merely showed the truth of what soldiers face daily and accused authorities of attempting to suppress uncomfortable realities. Others raised concerns about alleged insider collusion, poor equipment, and the welfare of troops battling insurgents under dangerous conditions.

The controversy has also reignited fears that such actions could discourage young Nigerians from joining the military. Some commenters warned that punishing soldiers for speaking out, while failing to address insecurity and welfare concerns, could deepen mistrust between the public and the armed forces.

As the insurgency in the North-East persists, the case of Mansur Adamu underscores the growing tension between military discipline and public demand for transparency. While the Nigerian Army maintains that internal rules must be obeyed, many Nigerians continue to ask whether silencing those who reveal harsh realities truly serves the fight against terrorism—or merely conceals its cost.