Food vendor alleges brutalisation by soldiers at Badagry Customs checkpoint

Allegations of Military Brutality in Badagry

A food vendor, Taiwo Hannah Zannu, has alleged that she was brutally assaulted by soldiers attached to the 15 Field Engineer Regiment of the Nigerian Army, Topo Barracks, Badagry. The incident reportedly took place at a Nigeria Customs Service checkpoint located at Oloko, along the Badagry-Seme Expressway.

Zannu, who operates a food business at Oloroko, claimed the assault occurred at approximately 6:30 am on Saturday, August 15, 2026. According to her account, the violence followed an earlier disagreement involving a soldier identified as Joseph and one of her employees regarding the availability of food at her outlet.

Origins of the Dispute

The conflict allegedly began on a Tuesday when the soldier visited Zannu’s shop to purchase beans. Her staff informed the officer that the food was not yet ready, leading to a verbal exchange about the shop's operating hours and the soldier's expectations of service.

On Tuesday, the Army officer came to my shop that he wanted to buy beans, but my staff told him it was not ready yet. The Army then said why can't I come to the shop as early as 3am. The woman said that was not possible. I met them having the conversation. The Army then said I should give him two eggs. I called one of my staff to give me a nylon so I could put the eggs.

— Taiwo Hannah Zannu, Food Vendor, Oloroko

The situation reportedly escalated when the beans became ready shortly after the initial rejection. The soldier allegedly insulted the staff member, resulting in an argument that required intervention from bystanders to settle. Zannu claimed the soldier subsequently threatened to deal with her during a future encounter.

Escalation and Physical Assault

The threat allegedly materialized on Saturday morning. Upon arriving at her shop, Zannu found a crowd gathered and learned that the soldier had allegedly struck her employee on the head. The officer then instructed the staff member to follow him to the checkpoint to discuss the matter with Customs personnel who had brought the soldiers to the site.

Zannu followed them to the checkpoint, where she claims she was immediately targeted by security personnel without provocation.

On getting to the checkpoint, before I could say anything, the soldier sighted me. He then brought out his belt and started beating me. His colleague then joined in beating me.

— Taiwo Hannah Zannu, Food Vendor, Oloroko

The vendor further alleged that several Customs personnel present at the scene watched the assault without intervening. She was eventually rescued by commuters and other people in the area who moved to stop the beating.

Seeking Redress and Historical Context

Following the incident, Zannu and her staff reported the matter to the 15 Field Engineer Regiment at Topo Barracks. While their statements were recorded, she expressed dissatisfaction with the response from the military authorities thus far, noting the physical and financial toll of the injuries sustained.

We went to the barracks to report the case. All they did was just to take our statement and told us to be going. As we speak, I've spent almost N200,000 for treatment. I'm pleading to Nigerians for justice.

— Taiwo Hannah Zannu, Food Vendor, Oloroko

The Oloko checkpoint has a history of controversy, with residents frequently raising concerns over the harassment of the public. The location was previously described as an illegal checkpoint by a former Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service. This latest allegation follows a December 2024 report of transporters being assaulted at the same site. As of the time of filing, the 15 Field Engineer Regiment has not provided an official reaction to the claims.