Nigerian troops, in the early hours of this Friday, reportedly raided the United Nations  building in Maiduguri, Borno State in search  of arms.

According to reports, the building popularly known as ‘Jaan Kwanu’ (Red Roof) and acquired by the UN from a former governor of the state, Late Mala Kachallah to accommodate its personnel, was besieged by the soldiers at about 2 a.m. after they successfully secured all the routes leading to it.

The soldiers who were reportedly acting on  information they received from the State Security Service that they observed sinister movements within the expansive property, were initially denied access into the premises by UN security officials as it was against their policy to allow armed personnel into their property especially at such odd hours of the night.

The soldiers and the UN officials reportedly argued for hours until about 7 a.m. when they were finally allowed in to search the building where they found nothing.

The incident is said to have angered and prompted the UN to suspend its humanitarian activities in the state as it claims the rumours that arms were smuggled into the building in wooden containers could embolden the terrorists who already see the humanitarian workers as their enemies.

The onslaught may also not be unconnected with the rumours that went viral on social media last week that the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau was being housed in the  building.