Fact Check: Viral Photos Of “Kidnapped Soldier” in Camouflage Are from A Movie Set

Claims that a Nigerian soldier was abducted by bandits, based on widely circulated photos on social media, have been found to be false.

The viral images show a man dressed in Nigerian Army camouflage trousers, bound and surrounded by supposed captors. This led many social media users to conclude that he was a serving soldier who had fallen into the hands of kidnappers.

However, verification has revealed that the pictures are not from a real-life abduction. Instead, they are behind-the-scenes shots from a Hausa movie currently being filmed. The man in the photos is an actor, not a soldier. The camouflage trousers he wore were part of a costume often used in Kannywood films to depict military or security characters.

The misleading posts sparked unnecessary public panic before the facts became clear.

Conclusion:
The claim that a Nigerian soldier was kidnapped is false. The images originated from a movie set, not an actual incident.

Observers have urged filmmakers to exercise caution in using military uniforms and to avoid portraying Nigerian troops in undignified scenarios that could mislead the public.

@HQNigerianArmy
@DHQNigeria