A Nigerian soldier, initially feared dead after a violent mob attack in Kaduna State, is alive and currently battling for survival at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, authorities and sources have confirmed.
The soldier, identified as Muhammad Abdulrauf, popularly known as “Didan Tero,” was brutally attacked by residents of Mai Gero community who allegedly mistook him for a bandit during heightened tension over insecurity in the area.
Contrary to earlier reports circulated on social media claiming he had died, a military source familiar with the matter disclosed that Abdulrauf survived the assault and is receiving emergency treatment in critical condition.
According to the source, the soldier—believed to be attached to military operations in Maiduguri, Borno State—was on leave at the time of the incident in Kaduna.
He was initially said to have been lynched by a mob after being suspected of belonging to a notorious criminal gang terrorising parts of the state. However, the report of his death has now been dismissed as false.
“The soldier is alive and currently receiving treatment at the 44 Army Hospital in Kaduna,” the source said, adding that early reports of his death were incorrect.
SaharaReporters gathered that the attack was triggered by suspicion among residents who believed Abdulrauf was linked to recent kidnappings in the community. The situation was further aggravated by growing fear and tension in the area due to repeated banditry incidents.
“The residents thought he was a bandit because of the way he dressed. That suspicion led to the mob action,” the source explained.
Another account suggested that the soldier’s clothing may have contributed to the misunderstanding, as some residents reportedly believed his appearance resembled that of criminal elements previously operating in the area.
“He wore trousers that people associated with Boko Haram-style dressing, and that raised suspicion,” the source added.
Disturbing footage reportedly obtained from the scene showed the soldier being violently assaulted by a crowd, while another clip captured him later lying critically injured on a hospital bed.
The incident has reignited concerns over rising cases of jungle justice and mistaken identity killings in northern communities where fear of bandit attacks remains high.
Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack.