Army Refutes Alleged Unlawful Arrest of Taraba Varsity Student.
By Christiana Babayo
The Nigerian Army has refuted reports circulating on social media alleging that its personnel unlawfully arrested a student of Taraba State University, Mr. Yebsonya Gamboro, within the school premises.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Brigade clarified that the student in question was not among those initially apprehended during a social function on campus.
According to the Army, some students were questioned on Friday, October 10, 2025, for illegally wearing military camouflage during the event, but were immediately released after interrogation.
“Subsequent investigation, however, revealed that Mr. Yebsonya Gamboro was later seen wearing military camouflage and was questioned by a fellow student, Manga Emmanuel Manga, a 200-level Computer Science student who is also a serving personnel (Ex-Boy). The encounter reportedly led to an altercation,” the statement explained.
The Army further disclosed that during the scuffle, Mr. Gamboro allegedly called some friends who assaulted Mr. Manga, during which his mobile phone went missing.
It added that some of Manga’s colleagues later assisted in presenting Mr. Gamboro to the Brigade for questioning, after which he was released the following morning and handed over to the University’s Security Officer for further investigation and administrative action.
The Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, due process, and cordial relations with institutions across Taraba State, noting that it does not tolerate any form of indiscipline or abuse of authority.
It also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary tension, stressing that wearing military uniforms without authorization remains an offence under Nigerian law.
Quoting Sections 110(1) and 251 of the Criminal Code Act, the statement warned that it is unlawful for anyone who is not a serving member of the Armed Forces to wear or use military uniforms or accoutrements, as such acts attract penalties under the law.