Nigerian Soldiers Allege Bauchi Commander Enforces ₦500,000 Weekly Returns at Checkpoints
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 compelling troops deployed to checkpoints to remit weekly financial returns of up to ₦500,000 or risk removal from their posts.
The allegations were made by multiple military sources who spoke to SaharaReporters on Wednesday.
According to the sources, soldiers are regularly posted 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.
One source alleged that a fixed weekly amount is demanded from soldiers manning the checkpoints.
“Soldiers will be deployed to a checkpoint to be collecting money from passengers and a commanding officer will be waiting for a return of ₦500,000 every week,” the source said.
The source added that failure to meet the target often results in immediate redeployment.
“If the soldiers didn’t meet up with the demands, they will change them immediately from the checkpoint and bring new soldiers,” the source said.
Another source described the practice as systemic, 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.
The soldiers also raised concerns about deteriorating living conditions within the barracks.
According to one of them, electricity supply has become irregular, with power available for only about four hours in a day.
“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 source said.
The sources further alleged that water supply in the barracks has collapsed, causing severe hardship for 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 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.
The source described the former commander as one of the best the unit had ever had.
“He is one of the best commanding officers the unit has ever had, and we are still missing him till now,” the source added.
The soldiers called on the military high command to urgently intervene in the matter.
They appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, to remove Lt. Col. Kachalla from office.
“We are calling on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff 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 the alleged extortion linked to checkpoint deployments.
“The issue of checkpoint deployment return must be properly investigated,” another source said.
“This is damaging the image of the Army and destroying morale among soldiers.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
