NIGERIAN ARMY DENIES REPORTS OF RECRUIT’S DEATH AT ZARIA DEPOT

NIGERIAN ARMY DENIES REPORTS OF RECRUIT’S DEATH AT ZARIA DEPOT

The Nigerian Army has dismissed media reports alleging that a recruit identified as Ibrahim Nazifi died during military training at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State, describing the claims as false and unsupported by official records.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Depot said its attention was drawn to reports circulating online which claimed that Mr Nazifi, said to be an indigene of Gombe State and a shortlisted applicant in the 90 Regular Recruits Intake, lost his life during training at the facility.

According to the Army, internal records confirmed that the individual indeed passed the state recruitment screening exercise conducted in December 2025 and was subsequently shortlisted for training. However, authorities stressed that he never reported to the Depot for the commencement of training and was therefore never admitted into the programme.

“At no point was the individual present at the Depot, involved in any training activity, injured, or recorded as deceased within our facility,” the statement noted.

The Army further called on the Gombe State Government and other relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported death, noting that whatever incident may have occurred did not take place at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria.

While acknowledging that military training is physically demanding and designed to prepare recruits for national security responsibilities, the Army emphasised that comprehensive safety protocols, medical support systems, and risk-management procedures are in place to protect trainees and minimise casualties.

The Depot urged members of the public to disregard what it described as unverified and misleading reports, warning that the spread of false information could damage public trust and the reputation of the Nigerian Army.

The statement reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the welfare of all recruits undergoing training in service of the nation.