There is confusion in the Nigerian military following the arrest of Torsobo Solomon, a Nigerian Air Force officer linked to the bandits’ attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
Solomon, who is currently attached to the Air Force Comprehensive School, Yola, was arrested on Monday in Yola, the Adamawa state capital.
According to Daily Post, a top source stated that Sergeant Solomon was arrested on the order of the Base Commander as requested by the NDA Commander for an offence connected with the recent attack on NDA, Kaduna.
Solomon is currently being grilled by investigators probing the attack.
It is believed that other military collaborators played a part in the security breach Defence Chief, Leo Irabor, called an embarrassment.
A NAF INTREP (Intelligence Report) indicated he was arrested Monday morning in the Adamawa capital.
It reads, “On 08 Nov 21, at about 0600hr, NAF07/ 23922, SGT Torsobo Solomon of 153 BSG (AIRFORCE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL YOLA) was arrested on the order of the Base Commander as requested by the NDA Commander for an offence connecting with arms and ammunition with recent bandit attack at NDA Kaduna.
“At about 0815hr, ATR with reg no NAF 930 to arrive flight line to convey him from Yola to NDA KADUNA for further interrogation.
“Below is the suspect onboard the ATR ac to Kaduna.”
Solomon was initially flown to the Army Training Regiment (ATR) in Kaduna. It is unclear if the suspect is still there or moved to another location.
On Tuesday, a source told Daily Post that the NAF BSG Commander in Yola has been removed.
After news of Solomon’s arrest, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) ordered the Base Support Group chief to vacate his seat and report to Abuja.
“I can confirm to you that media reports of the development cost the BSG his seat. He has been posted to Abuja. The DHQ is angry that a secret movement was exposed. The INTREP and photos were released by a soldier.
“He is an intelligence officer; I do not think his intention was to leak. The person(s) he sent the information to was probably careless,” the source added.
In a statement Monday night, NDA spokesman, Bashir Jajira said Solomon was not flown to the Academy as believed in some quarters.
Jajira clarified that the NDA is “a Military Training Institution and not an Investigative Security Agency”.
He advised the public to ignore inaccurate misinformation and “refer to relevant Investigative Security Agencies for clarification.”
The NDA assured that all the perpetrators of the security breach in its Afaka campus on August 24 will be apprehended.
