Nigerians, especially from the northern region, have come together in a remarkable show of solidarity, contributing over ₦100 million to support Suleiman Abdullahi, a soldier who was recently dismissed from the Nigerian Army.
Abdullahi’s sacking followed a viral video in which he criticized the government’s handling of bandits and terrorists, raising concerns over the insecurity plaguing several parts of the country.
This outpouring of financial and moral support has brought Abdullahi into the spotlight, as many Nigerians view his actions as courageous and truthful.
Abdullahi’s Viral Video: Speaking Out on Banditry
In a video that circulated widely on social media, Suleiman Abdullahi called out the government for what he described as its failure to tackle the menace of banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.
He pointed out that, despite the military’s capacity to eliminate these criminal elements, they continued to operate freely.
“This is what Nigeria has become,” Abdullahi said in the video. “Simply because I came out to say the truth about what is happening in the country, I have been dismissed.”
He went on to clarify that his intention was not to insult his superiors or political leaders but to shed light on the insecurity that has plagued the country for years.
“I didn’t insult my superiors. I didn’t insult the political leaders. I only came out to talk about the bandits and the things happening in Nigeria,” he explained.
According to Abdullahi, he was dismissed for speaking up, and he expressed his disappointment that the truth had cost him his job.
“Nigeria doesn’t like to hear the truth,” Abdullahi added, lamenting the consequences of his actions.
Dismissal Sparks Nationwide Reaction
Following Abdullahi’s dismissal, there was an immediate reaction from Nigerians across the country.
Many viewed his removal from the army as unjust and saw it as a punishment for speaking up against the government’s perceived inaction on security issues.
The outcry was particularly strong in the northern region, where banditry and terrorism have caused significant hardship for residents.
Nigerians, moved by Abdullahi’s plight, began organizing fundraising efforts to support the dismissed soldier.
Within days, over ₦100 million was raised, as donations poured in from individuals, community groups, and even businesses.
Public Support for Abdullahi Grows
In the days following his dismissal, Suleiman Abdullahi’s story continued to gain traction on social media and in local media outlets.
The narrative of a soldier being punished for telling the truth resonated with many Nigerians, who felt that Abdullahi’s dismissal was emblematic of a broader problem in the country—where voices of dissent are often silenced.
In a heartfelt message after his dismissal, Abdullahi expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he had received.
“I am happy and fulfilled that anyone who comes across me or my video won’t say that’s the soldier who stole something, or that’s the soldier who was caught doing something illegal,” Abdullahi said.
He emphasized that he had always conducted himself with integrity and that his dismissal, while painful, did not tarnish his honor.
“I am grateful to God because it was God who gave me the opportunity to serve as a soldier, and it’s equally God who took it away. Alhamdulillah,” he added, reflecting on his faith in the face of adversity.
The Video That Cost Him His Job
The video that led to Abdullahi’s dismissal from the army was a blunt critique of the government’s approach to handling the security crisis in the country.
In it, Abdullahi spoke passionately about how bandits and terrorists were wreaking havoc in parts of northern Nigeria.
He claimed that the military had the capability to eliminate these groups within 24 hours but suggested that the government was either unwilling or unable to take the necessary action.
His words, while resonating with many ordinary Nigerians, were seen as crossing the line by the military leadership.
As a result, Abdullahi was dismissed from his post, a decision that has sparked widespread debate about free speech, dissent, and the military’s role in Nigerian society.
Calls for Transparency and Reform
Abdullahi’s dismissal has reignited conversations about the state of Nigeria’s military and the government’s approach to handling internal security challenges.
Many Nigerians have called for greater transparency in the military’s operations and have urged the government to prioritize the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Political analysts have pointed out that the country’s persistent insecurity, particularly in the northern states, has left many citizens feeling abandoned by the government.
Some have suggested that Abdullahi’s dismissal may have been intended to serve as a warning to other members of the armed forces who may be tempted to speak out.
However, the overwhelming support for Abdullahi has shown that many Nigerians are tired of living in fear and want to see genuine action taken to address the country’s security problems.
Banditry and Insecurity in Northern Nigeria
The insecurity caused by banditry and terrorism in northern Nigeria has been a growing issue for years.
Hundreds of villages have been attacked, and thousands of people have been displaced by armed groups who engage in kidnappings, killings, and destruction of property.
Despite efforts by the government to tackle the problem, the violence has continued, with many Nigerians questioning why the military has not been able to defeat these criminal elements.
For residents of the affected areas, the fear of being attacked by bandits has become a daily reality.
This has led to widespread frustration with the government, as many feel that not enough is being done to protect their communities.
