The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that a recruit identified as Ibrahim Nazifi died during military training at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on January 23, 2026, signed by Captain Chikadibia Viola Anele, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot NA Zaria, he described the reports as false, stating that no trainee by that name was recorded at the facility.
According to the Army, available records show that Ibrahim Nazifi, an indigene of Gombe State with application number 90RRI-GO-9017726, passed the State Recruitment Screening Exercise conducted in December 2025 and was shortlisted for training at Depot NA Zaria.
However, the Army said he never reported to the depot for the commencement of training and was never admitted into the programme.
“Consequently, the Depot has no record of his presence, participation, injury or death during training.” the statement said.
The Army urged the Gombe State Government and other relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported death, noting that the incident did not occur at Depot NA Zaria.
While acknowledging that military training is rigorous and designed to build endurance, resilience and combat readiness, the Nigerian Army stressed that such training does not imply negligence. It explained that strict safety measures, medical support and risk-mitigation procedures are in place to protect recruits and minimise injuries.
The Army also called on members of the public to disregard the reports and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of misleading the public and damaging the image of the institution.
The statement reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and the welfare of recruits undergoing training.