FACT-CHECK: Does video show Fulanis in Nigerian Army celebration after receiving ransom money?

On 13 November 2024, a X user (formerly Twitter) @fourunit shared a video showing alleged Nigerian soldiers celebrating, spraying money on each other with the claim it happened in Kogi State.

The video was shared with a caption saying, “Breaking news:13/11/24. Fulani terrorists that were integrated into (the) army kidnapped 5 people including a priest, requested for a ransom in cash, victims paid up, Fulani terrorists spread whole cash on them, killed all, Took place in Kogi state.”

Background

Over the past decade, Nigeria has faced relentless terrorism, particularly in the northern region, leading to significant loss of life and the displacement of thousands of residents in search of a safe abode.

The proximity of northern states to neighbouring countries is often cited as a major factor contributing to these persistent attacks, leaving a vast percentage of the affected population reliant on humanitarian aid.

Claim

Fulani terrorists integrated into the Nigerian Army were caught on camera killing five people in Kogi, after receiving ransom.

As at the time of filing this report, the post had garnered over 70,000 views, 64 comments, 714 reposts, 462 likes and 174 bookmarks.

A visit to the comment section indicated that while some believed the video veracity, others doubted its authenticity.

For example, @shady1759 commented: “@HQNigerianArmy see your officers.” Also, @lawracluzio said: “How can you integrate criminals into the army?” On the other hand @Shigaraki3520 stated: “They were not integrated into the army. They stole those uniforms.”

Verification

Observing the dressing and appearance of the men in the video, some irregularities were noticed. In the video, while some were fully dressed with the Army uniforms, some others were partially clothed — a flaw that no military formation would be subject to.

READ ALSO: 14 rescued, one dead as police foils kidnap attempt in Katsina

Furthermore, it was noticed that those involved were spotted with bikes — a customary means of transportation used by bandits to carry out their operations.

Also, the purported military personnel were captured speaking Hausa, and their utterances depicted those of bandits. For instance, a phrase like “Dan Tawaye” as said by one of the men qualified as rebellion. Likewise, one of the men said “We are Turji’s boys, we have already broken a bank.”

Probing further, this reporter combed through credible media organisations for reports but found no information corroborating the assertion of the claimant.

Further investigating the video veracity and authenticity, we reached out to the spokesperson to the Nigerian Defence headquarters, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who disassociated the kidnappers from the military, noting that “terrorists have occasionally been seen in kaki, impersonating military men to execute their heinous attacks against the unsuspecting civilians.”

Mr Onyema further condemned the video as an adversarial propaganda targeted to degrade the Nigerian Army.

Moreover, he refuted the claim of recruiting Fulani bandits into the Nigerian army as mentioned in the post

“I must say in very clear terms that the Nigerian Army does not recruit any particular ethnic group for integration into the Nigerian Army, as ensured through our recruitment procedures. Candidates for recruitment into the Nigerian Army are drawn from all states of the federation, including the FCT and not from and not from any particular tribe”, Mr Onyema said.

Conclusion

Investigation shows that the video showing several men dressed in the Nigerian army uniform are bandits, not military personnel.

Verdict

Investigations revealed that the armed men captured in a video are bandits. The claim that they are Fulanis who were incorporated into the Nigerian army is therefore not true.

By: Muheeb Mashood

The post FACT-CHECK: Does video show Fulanis in Nigerian Army celebration after receiving ransom money? appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.

  • Related Posts

    Army refutes claims of bandits overrunning troops in Kwara

    The Nigerian Army has denied reports circulating online that bandits overpowered its troops in Obanla, Kwara State, and escaped with six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and more than 30,000…

    Nigerian Army targets Abia youths for recruitment

    The Nigerian Army has kicked off a targeted awareness campaign across Abia State to encourage young men and women to participate in its ongoing recruitment for the 90 Regular Recruit…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    From Renters to Owners: FG-backed mortgage reforms help 700+ Nigerians secure homes in 6 Months 

    FGN Savings Bond: DMO opens October offer at 14.06%, 15.06%

    Markets in shock: 25% capital gains tax, PenCom rules & Naira outlook  

    Cooking gas price soars to N3,000 per kg in Lagos amid scarcity 

    Gold hits $3,900 after 50% year-to-date rally

    Payaza sets new African Fintech Standard with N20.3 billion ($13.5M) Debt Redemption and Triple Credit Rating upgrades

    CPPE seeks new law to protect investors, employers in Nigeria 

    Seplat Energy ties Africa’s prosperity to Domestic Gas Development 

    Presco launches academy, training Africa’s next agriculture business leaders 

    FCCPC approves sale of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) to UAC of Nigeria PLC 

    AccessCorp, Aradel Holdings, MTN, two others get analysts’ buy recommendation  

    Top 10 African countries with the largest number of airports and airfields 

    NiMet forecasts 3 days thunderstorm, heavy rain across Nigeria

    Jaiz Bank, FCMB Group, Julius Berger top stock pick this week

    Jaiz Bank, FCMB Group, Julius Berger top stock pick this week

    NUPRC approved 79 FDPs with $40 billion potential investment within two years – Official

    NUPRC approved 79 FDPs with $40 billion potential investment within two years – Official

    FG revamps agricultural education to boost food security, jobs

    Trillion-Naira club: 10 most profitable heavyweight stocks in Q3 2025 

    United Capital: Profit up, stock down; is the market overlooking its growth 

    Capital Gains Tax on equities triggers investor panic, capital flight fears 

    Sahara Group targets 350,000 bbl/d, acquires new seven oil rigs

    NUPRC: Nigeria’s rig count surges to 69

    Imisi wins N150M BBNaija S10 grand prize  

    DataPro Marks 30th Anniversary with Finance Webinar

    Adedeji: New Tax Regime Will Usher Unprecedented Opportunities for Economy

    Polaris Bank, NCF Expand Tree Planting Drive to Lagos, Others

    ipNX Calls for Reliable Backbone Infrastructure to Drive AI Adoption 

    Segilola: Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector is Investable, Profitable

    Panasonic, Proxynet Communications to Deliver Advanced Broadcast Solutions 

    Terra Creates Unforgettable Moments in the BBN House

    STEM Africa Fest: Boosting Human Capital Development

    OPEC+ approves modest oil output increase for November 

    NAICOM says over 1.47 million farmers covered under agricultural insurance  

    AI strategy: NITDA says Nigeria co-creating framework with innovators, startups 

    Nigerians need ‘37.6 days’ income to afford a plane ticket – Report  

    Best performing Nigerian stocks for the week ended October 3, 2025 

    Bitcoin price surges to all-time high above $125,000