The 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), has denied reports circulating on social media alleging the unlawful arrest of a Taraba State University student, Mr. Yebsonya Gamboro, by military personnel within the university premises on Friday, October 10, 2025.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the Brigade clarified that Mr. Gamboro was not among the students initially apprehended and questioned for wearing military camouflage during a social function held at the university. Those students, the statement added, were released immediately after questioning.
However, subsequent findings revealed that Mr. Gamboro was later spotted wearing military camouflage and confronted by a fellow student, Mr. Manga Emmanuel Manga, a 200-level Computer Science student who is also a serving military personnel (Ex-Boy). The encounter reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which Mr. Manga’s mobile phone went missing.
The Army stated that some of Mr. Manga’s colleagues later assisted in bringing Mr. Gamboro to the Brigade headquarters for questioning. He was subsequently released the next morning and handed over to the University Security Officer for further investigation and administrative action aimed at recovering the missing phone.
The 6 Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, due process, and maintaining cordial relations with civil institutions, including Taraba State University.
“The Brigade does not condone any act of indiscipline or abuse of authority and urges the public to verify information before dissemination,” the statement read.
It further reminded the public that under Sections 110(1) and 251 of the Criminal Code Act (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria), it is an offence for any civilian to wear or use military uniforms or accoutrements, an act punishable under Nigerian law.
