In a disturbing video making rounds on social media today, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, a man believed to be a Nigerian soldier is seen pouring liquid from a jerrycan on a suspected Boko Haram member. The man, tied up with a tyre around his neck in a sandy area, appears helpless as the soldier prepares to set him on fire. The exact location is not confirmed, but many point to operations in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, a major battleground against the insurgents.………
The clip, which lasts about 52 seconds, shows the soldier in camouflage and a hat standing over the victim in a dry, open field littered with rubbish. French subtitles appear in the video, but users insist it is Nigerian troops. No official time or specific town like Maiduguri or Monguno has been verified yet, but it has spread rapidly since morning.
Human rights groups and many Nigerians have called this a clear war crime. Burning a person alive goes against all rules of war and basic human rights, no matter the crime. The Nigerian Army has not yet commented on this particular video.
Social media users are divided but mostly angry. One person wrote: “A war crime by the Nigerian army in attempting to burn one of Boko Haram’s members alive. What’s your thoughts on this?” Many replied with shock. Another added: “Injustice is the main reason that makes it easier for these organizations to recruit new fighters.” People say acts like this push more young men to join Boko Haram out of anger and revenge.
Some users defended the soldiers, saying Boko Haram has killed many troops and civilians with terrible attacks. But majority warned that this kind of treatment only makes the problem worse. “How can we win hearts when we treat suspects like this?” one comment asked.
This is not the first time the Nigerian military faces accusations of extrajudicial killings and burning villages in the fight against Boko Haram. Past reports from groups like Amnesty International have raised similar concerns in Borno and Yobe states.
The video has reminded Nigerians of the deep pain in the Northeast. While soldiers risk their lives daily, people say justice and fairness must guide the fight. Without addressing injustice, ending the insurgency will remain hard.
