Wadume

Wadume refers to a series of events in Nigeria surrounding the alleged kidnapping of a Taraba-based businessman and the subsequent killing of police officers and civilians in August 2019. The incident involved allegations of collusion between soldiers of the Nigerian Army and a suspected kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Bala, popularly known as Wadume.

The events unfolded when police officers, acting on intelligence, arrested Wadume in Ibi, Taraba State, for alleged kidnapping activities. While transporting Wadume to Jalingo, the state capital, the police team was attacked by soldiers. During the attack, three police officers and two civilians were killed. Wadume was allegedly freed during the attack.

The Nigerian Army initially claimed that the soldiers mistook the police officers for kidnappers. However, a presidential investigation panel later determined that soldiers had aided Wadume's escape and that there was a failure of inter-agency communication.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about corruption, collusion between security forces and criminals, and the rule of law in Nigeria. Investigations were launched, and several individuals, including soldiers and police officers, were arrested and prosecuted in connection with the incident. The case highlighted challenges in maintaining security and combating crime within the country.

The Wadume affair had significant political ramifications and fueled public distrust in security agencies. It also led to calls for improved inter-agency cooperation and stricter accountability for security personnel. The legal proceedings and related investigations have been closely followed in Nigeria.