The Nigerian Army has declared a soldier wanted after he shared a video clip where he accused the military hierarchy of abandoning wounded personnel when they get injured in the line of duty, forcing them to treat themselves with their own money.

In the video, the soldier had condemned the poor welfare conditions of soldiers, especially those injured during operations, adding that the army provides no medical support or financial aid, even in life-threatening situations.

“When a soldier got injured. If that soldier does not have his own money in his account, that soldier will die.

“If you get injured, it is your salary you take to treat yourself. The Nigerian Army does not care for you. It has happened to me,” he had lamented.

However, in reaction to the video, the Army authorities have come out to declare the soldier identified as Lance Corporal Festus Igenkhai, wanted saying he had absconded from his military duties in 2024 and has since then become a content creator and ‘constituting nuisance” on social media.

The Defence Headquarters which debunked the allegations by Igenkhai in a statement on Tuesday, said the soldier was declared AWOL by the Nigerian Army after deserting his duty post on November 8, 2024, while his military record is tainted by repeated violations of military code, particularly the Nigerian Army’s social media policy.

“Despite facing trial, he chose to flee and began posting inflammatory and defamatory content online under the alias “EX Man,” the statement said.

“His videos, often riddled with half-truths and outright fabrications, aim to incite fellow soldiers and discredit the military hierarchy, especially senior officers whose loyalty and performance are beyond question.

“Lance Corporal Festus Igenkhai, a now-disgraced soldier of the Nigerian Army, has gone rogue after abandoning his post and responsibilities to chase clout on social media.

“Enlisted barely four years ago, Igenkhai has since been declared Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) by the Nigerian Army after he deserted his duty post on November 8, 2024, in clear violation of military regulations.

“He is currently under investigation for gross misconduct, breach of military discipline, and desertion offences considered serious within the Armed Forces.

“Before his cowardly disappearance, the soldier had twice faced internal military trials over violations of the military’s strict social media policy, including releasing unapproved content online.

“Rather than learn his lesson, Igenkhai became even more brazen, adopting the handle “EX Man” on TikTok, where he now spews reckless and defamatory content aimed at discrediting senior officers including the service chiefs and sowing disaffection within the ranks.

“In a string of delusional videos, he peddles unsubstantiated claims and half-baked conspiracy theories, portraying himself as a whistleblower while in reality behaving like a disgruntled dropout who could not live up to the standards of the uniform he once wore.

“None of his allegations have been backed by evidence – just empty noise aimed at misleading unsuspecting viewers and stirring unnecessary tension.

“Let’s be clear: this is not a patriot. This is a fugitive, a man who betrayed his oath, abandoned his comrades, and now hides behind a smartphone camera to hurl insults at the same institution that once gave him pride, purpose, and uniform.

“There is nationwide manhunt for Lance Corporal Festus Igenkhai while security forces are working around the clock to locate and bring him to justice for violating the sacred principles of discipline and loyalty that bind the Nigerian Armed Forces.”

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