A legal practitioner, Barrister Ibrahim Nuhu, has petitioned the Nigerian Army and the Gombe State Government over alleged compulsory extortion of traders and members of the public by soldiers operating in Shongom and Billiri Local Government Areas of Gombe State.
The petition, dated January 28, 2026, was addressed to the Commandant, 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Gombe, and the Gombe State Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General, seeking what the petitioner described as “immediate intervention and pre-action notice.”
This petition was made available to our correspondent on Thursday.
In the petition, Nuhu alleged that officers of the Nigerian Army, identified with Vehicle I.D. No. 301/C/003, mounted illegal checkpoints at Lalaipido (Leggal) Market in Shongom LGA and Kalmai area of Billiri LGA, where they allegedly extorted money from traders and transporters.
“Officers of the Nigerian Army who are constitutionally deployed to protect lives and property have, unfortunately, turned to intimidating members of the public and violating their fundamental rights by compulsorily extorting money from traders and members of the public conveying goods such as grains and livestock,” the petition read.
According to the petition, the alleged extortion was carried out through checkpoints mounted with tyres and stones, particularly on market days, with traders reportedly forced to pay levies before being allowed to pass.
The document listed several locations where the alleged activities occur, including the Leggal–Filiya Road, Leggal–Kaltungo Road, Leggal–Billiri Road, as well as Kalmai–Pobawure and Kalmai–Banganje Roads in Billiri LGA.
The petitioner further alleged that the soldiers justified the collections as a “general tax policy,” marking those who paid with a marker for identification.
“Persons who pay are marked with a marker for identification, while those who refuse to pay the compulsory and illegal levy are harassed, detained, and their goods delayed, resulting in serious financial and business losses,” the petition stated.
Nuhu also alleged that on 17 January 2026, a military officer identified as Dada D., alongside another officer whose identity was concealed, mounted a checkpoint on the Billiri–Pobawure Road and extorted members of the public.
He claimed that after complaints were lodged with other security agencies on 20 January 2026, the officers allegedly began removing or concealing their name tags and identity numbers while continuing the alleged acts.
“These acts amount to a gross violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of movement and freedom from discrimination as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” the petitioner said.
While acknowledging the role of the Nigerian Army in national security, the petitioner called for accountability.
“While we sincerely appreciate the sacrifices and services of the Nigerian Army to the nation, it is imperative that all officers operate strictly within the ambit of the law and rules of engagement,” the petition added.
Nuhu requested a thorough investigation into the allegations and appropriate disciplinary action against any personnel found culpable, stating that he was prepared to present witnesses and evidence.
