A dramatic scene unfolded on Monday morning after soldiers of the Nigerian Army reportedly stormed the residence of Colonel Audu Ogli Achigili, dragging him into a waiting vehicle while his family looked on in shock.
Arrest Inside His Home
Videos circulating online show the tense moment soldiers arrived at the officer’s home and forcefully pulled him into a vehicle.
In one of the recordings, his emotional son can be heard crying, “See how they are dragging my father,” as he protested the treatment of his father.
Another clip captured the boy accusing the Army of using a lower-ranked personnel to detain Colonel Achigili, saying, “They paid a sergeant to come and arrest my father… They want to kill my dad.”
Why He Went Public
Colonel Achigili had on Sunday shared his frustration publicly, saying he had served the country for decades and survived multiple dangerous missions, yet his promotion approved by the Army Council in 2023 had not been implemented.
He described the delay as part of a deliberate plot influenced by a land dispute in his home community.
Speaking about his decades of service, he recounted:
“I commanded Sector 3 Garrison in the North East Operation Hadin Kai for two years and fought ferociously to protect the people. I participated in Operation Harmony (IV) Bakassi Peninsula (1998-2000). I served in the African Union Mission in Darfur (2006-2007). In 2001 when our current President Bola Tinubu was the Lagos State Governor, I fought to restore law and order during the OPC crisis in Lagos and nearly lost my life when the bomb blast occurred in Ikeja Lagos.” He added that these years of service earned him several awards for “unblemished service.”
Alleged Influence Blocking Promotion
Colonel Achigili alleged that his stalled promotion was linked to the clan head of Oglewu community in Benue State, Dr. John Ochai, who he claims influenced the former Military Secretary, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Ochigbano (retired), to block his elevation over a land dispute.
He said: “He was a classmate and friend of General Ochigbano at Government Secondary School, Atilo in 1985.”
He further accused the promotion process of favouring certain officers over others, insisting it was biased in favour of “their godsons” rather than merit.
Speaking on the latest promotions from Brigadier General to Major General, he said;
“Members of the 41st course were downplayed in favour of their juniors and these are great and gallant officers. In that course only two officers were promoted; one of them was a deceased officer.”
Concerns Over Army Professionalism
Colonel Achigili warned that such practices could weaken professionalism in the Nigerian Army.
He noted that education officers were being elevated over combat officers, and that the quality of education in military schools had declined to the point that “soldiers now send their children to private schools outside the barracks.”
Appeal for Intervention
The officer appealed for urgent intervention to ensure his promotion is implemented before compulsory retirement.
He emphasised that the ongoing delays and favoritism could demoralize officers who have risked their lives in service to the nation.
As of now, the Nigerian Army has not released an official statement regarding Colonel Achigili’s arrest.