A Nigerian soldier attached to the Nigerian Army Aviation Hangar in Minna, Niger State, has reportedly been arrested by military authorities after appearing in military uniform during a TikTok live session where he allegedly solicited financial assistance from popular content creator King Pedro.
According to reports, the soldier was arrested at the 234 Battalion in Badagry, Lagos State, where he was staying, despite being attached to the Army Aviation Hangar in Minna.
A military source said the incident followed a viral TikTok live session held on Saturday, during which the soldier allegedly asked King Pedro for money. Instead of offering financial assistance, the influencer criticised him for seeking help while dressed in military uniform.
During the live session, the soldier reportedly revealed that he had served in the Nigerian Army for five years and was deployed to Niger State. When asked if he had eaten, he replied, “Yes sir, I have not eaten.”
Reacting, King Pedro condemned the soldier’s actions, saying he had disrespected the military uniform by wearing it while begging online. He warned that such conduct could attract disciplinary action, adding that if the soldier wanted to seek financial assistance, he should have done so in civilian clothing rather than in uniform.
A video recorded after the arrest reportedly showed the soldier identifying himself as being attached to the Nigerian Army Aviation Hangar in Minna while staying at the 234 Battalion in Badagry.
The incident has since sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating whether the soldier should have been punished or assisted.
Reacting, @Bari Aala wrote, “Them wan make hunger finish gallant officer. A close mouth is a close destiny.”
@Kenxee Dan questioned the situation, saying, “The question is…him dey hungry abi him no dey hungry?? No be who chop dey enta bush fight??”
Sharing a different opinion, @Anaeto Ijeoma commented, “Better beg than to steal.”
@Eduwem Daniel remarked, “Why u no remove the uniform before begging.”
@Mosebolatan Abdulwaheed wrote, “Civilian is schooling a military man how to do his job. Nigeria my country 😂”
Offering a broader perspective, @Samuel Kosiso said, “In certain operational conditions a soldier may have to ask a civilian for food or negotiate for it just like In an operation where a soldier goes incommunicado, no cash, no phones or bank card, exhausted food supply, no animals or fruits on sight for food and a couple days without fresh water or food.”
@Ayegbusi Oluwagbenga added, “Nah beg him beg. He no carry gun go thief.”
Expressing sympathy, @Esteri Ayaoba wrote, “Na waoo. People are going through a lot. If not what is this nah.”
@Supar Pascal commented, “U no give me food I beg u arrest me, u want make hungry ki me 🤔.”
Meanwhile, @Gabe Riel joked, “Oh see as my younger brother don go disgrace us for TikTok, since morning it’s been call call.”
