By Ghazali Ibrahim
A Nigerian soldier, Muhammad Abdulrauf, popularly known as “Didan Tero,” is receiving treatment after he was allegedly mistaken for a bandit and brutally attacked by residents of Mai Gero community in Kaduna State.
Initial reports circulating on social media claimed that the soldier had died following the incident.
However, sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that Abdulrauf survived the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
Abdulrauf, a member of the Nigerian Army’s 21NA intake and well known within the Jaji military community as a “Barrack Boy,” was reportedly assaulted by an angry mob after residents suspected him of being part of a criminal gang operating in the area.
Videos shared online showed the soldier being attacked by a crowd, while another clip captured him lying on a hospital bed receiving medical attention.
According to a source, residents became suspicious of Abdulrauf due to his appearance and clothing, believing he was linked to a notorious bandit group responsible for recent attacks and kidnappings in the community.
“The residents thought he was a bandit because of the way he dressed. They believed he was among those involved in recent kidnappings in the area,” the source said.
The source added that heightened insecurity and fear among residents may have contributed to the mob action.
Kaduna State has witnessed repeated attacks by bandits in recent years, with several communities suffering from kidnappings, killings and displacement.
Residents of affected areas often remain on high alert amid persistent security threats.
Abdulrauf, who is attached to military operations in Maiduguri, Borno State, was reportedly on leave when the incident occurred.
“He is serving in Maiduguri and was on leave. We do not know exactly what brought him to Kaduna at the time,” the source said.
The source further suggested that the soldier’s choice of clothing may have triggered the misunderstanding.
“He wore trousers similar to those often associated with Boko Haram members. When civilians saw him, they suspected he was a bandit and attacked him,” the source claimed.
The source dismissed reports of Abdulrauf’s death, stressing that he remains alive despite sustaining serious injuries.
“A lot of people believed he was dead because of reports online, but I can confirm that he is alive and currently receiving treatment at the 44 Army Hospital in Kaduna,” the source said.
The incident highlights growing tensions in communities affected by banditry, where fear of criminal attacks has sometimes led to cases of mistaken identity and mob justice.
