Nigerian Army Court-Martial Convicts Four Soldiers for Illegal Arms Trade and Aiding Terrorists
- Four Nigerian soldiers have been convicted by a special court-martial for illegal arms trading and aiding terrorists in the north-east
- Three of the convicted personnel received life sentences, while one was jailed for 15 years following damning evidence of ammunition theft and collaboration with criminal networks
- Military authorities condemned the acts as a betrayal of national trust and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on arms trafficking
A special court-martial convened by the Nigerian Army has convicted four soldiers for illegal arms trade and aiding terrorists in the north-east, in what military authorities described as a grave betrayal of national trust.
The trial, presided over by Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, took place at the officers’ mess, Theatre Command Headquarters in Maiduguri.
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It was convened by Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander of Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
Delivering judgment, Abdullahi sentenced Sergeants Raphael Ameh and Ejiga Musa, along with Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje, to life imprisonment. Corporal Omitoye Rufus received a 15-year jail term.
The soldiers were found guilty of offences including theft, unlawful dealing in ammunition, and aiding the enemy. All violations punishable under the Armed Forces Act.
Ammunition theft and smuggling to criminals
According to court findings, Sergeant Ameh, who served as an armourer at the 7 Division Garrison, conspired with a deceased colleague to steal ammunition from the division’s armoury.
He reportedly collaborated with police officers to conceal weapons in bags of beans and smuggle them to Enugu and Ebonyi states for criminal use. Abdullahi disclosed that bank records revealed over 100 transactions linked to the illicit trade between July 2022 and June 2024.
Sergeant Musa, formerly an armourer with the 195 Battalion, was said to have worked with Ocheje and police officers to sell an AK-47 rifle and large quantities of ammunition.
Records indicated he received over ₦500,000 and was apprehended while attempting to sell more arms.
Soldiers found guilty of aiding the enemy
Corporal Rufus was found guilty of selling 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition to a police officer.
Meanwhile, Lance Corporal Ocheje, deployed at the forward operating base in Molai, diverted ammunition during communal clashes at the persuasion of a police officer and stole an AK-47 rifle belonging to a fellow soldier.
The court held that the actions of the convicted soldiers directly endangered military operations and national security, amounting to “aiding the enemy”.
Brigadier General Abdullahi condemned the soldiers, describing them as “bad eggs” who had betrayed the discipline, honour, and trust expected of personnel engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance stance on the sale of arms or ammunition to adversaries “in whatever form or guise”.
Source: Twitter
Police officer arrested over the death of soldier
Legit.ng earlier reported that a police officer has been arrested following the fatal shooting of a soldier in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, an incident that has sparked concern over inter-agency conflict and alleged illegal mining activities.
The acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 33 Artillery Brigade, Atang Hallet Solomon, confirmed the arrest to reporters, stating that the officer accused of shooting the soldier has been taken into custody.
Source: Legit.ng
