A young armed bandit has thrown a direct and shocking challenge at the Nigerian Army in a video that is currently trending across social media, claiming his group is actively burning Mansur village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State while hiding in an uncompleted building.
The clip, which NaijaChoice News obtained and verified through multiple sources, shows the insurgent – described by many online observers as a teenager or even younger – standing boldly amid signs of recent destruction, including burnt vehicles and rubble. Clutching an AK-47 rifle with his face completely uncovered, he speaks in Hausa: “We are burning Mansur and hiding in an uncompleted building. Nigerian Army, we dare you to come and meet us.”
“We are burning mansul and hiding in an uncompleted building. Nigerian Army, we dare you to come and meet us.”
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Terrorists now make videos with their faces uncovered and openly challenge the Nigerian army.
My God 😭
pic.twitter.com/UfXPpgPKBL— OurFaveOnlineDoc 🇬🇧 🇳🇬 (@OurFavOnlineDoc) March 1, 2026
The video’s release coincides with fresh reports of massive bandit operations sweeping through Mansur, Digare, Gwana and other border communities in Alkaleri LGA. Residents have been fleeing on foot into neighbouring Gombe State for several days, abandoning homes and farmlands as attackers torch settlements, rustle livestock and spread terror.
NaijaChoice News gathered that the attacks have intensified in recent weeks, with one major clash on February 22 in Gwana District leaving two soldiers from the 33 Artillery Brigade and a local vigilante dead. Three residents were abducted during that incident, though security forces later neutralised seven suspected bandits in a counter-operation.
This latest display of audacity – with the perpetrator showing no fear of identification or reprisal – has ignited fury on social media. Nigerians across the country are questioning how bandits now operate so freely, recording taunting videos in broad daylight and daring the military while thousands of citizens remain displaced.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed recently donated N50 million to support displaced persons and urged residents to acquire self-defence equipment, stressing that communities must take greater responsibility for their safety. The state police command has also pledged more deployments to prevent ungoverned spaces, but the viral video suggests the situation on the ground remains dire.
Security experts note that such open challenges reflect deeper failures in intelligence and rapid response, allowing bandit groups to grow bolder in the northwest and parts of the northeast.
The Nigerian Army is yet to issue any official statement responding to the specific taunt as of the time of this report.
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