A Nigerian Army officer, Abdulkadir Musa, has denied allegations that he led a military assault on residents of the Evuti community in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, June 8, 2025, sparked public outrage, with many accusing the military of brutality.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, Abdulkadir claimed the entire situation began when he and his fiancée, Fati, were attacked by two local young men, twin brothers named Hassan and Hussaini.
According to him, the confrontation started around 10 p.m. as they returned from charging their phones.
He said the brothers accused Fati of blocking their path and physically assaulted both of them, leading to a scuffle in which his clothes were torn.
Abdulkadir said he initially reported the incident to the local police division in Evuti, but attempts to summon the twins for questioning failed.
The situation reportedly escalated the following day when the brothers allegedly confronted him again, threatening him and warning him not to oppose them.
In response, he said he called on his military colleagues for support.
He denied that the soldiers attacked residents indiscriminately, insisting that they only came to search for the two brothers, who had gone into hiding.
However, earlier reports from SaharaReporters stated that several homes in the community were forcefully entered, civilians were assaulted, and the mother of a police inspector was hospitalised after the incident.
Locals claimed Abdulkadir mobilised soldiers from the Duma military base to retaliate over the altercation involving his fiancée.
