Troops of the Nigerian Army’s operation Hadin Kai have arrested one soldier for allegedly stealing and supplying ammunition to criminal gangs.
The suspect, identified as Iorliam Emmanuel, is said to be working under the 156 task force battalion in Mainok, Borno state.
According to Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the LakeChad region, the soldier was caught in possession of ammunition on his way out of Maiduguri, the state capital.
In a video shared by the publication, soldiers were seen stripping the suspect of ammunition strapped to his body.
“You see your life? You, you will go and give Boko Haram these things so that they will come and attack us in this camp. Don’t worry. God pass you,” some soldiers were heard in the clip.
“All these ones don tey, they don rust,” a soldier said in reference to bullets that appeared to have been in the suspect’s possession for a while.
According to Zagazola Makama, the suspect who hails from Benue, regularly steals ammunition and supplies to criminal gangs across the country suspected to be bandits.
The suspect is said to have been handed over to the military intelligence for investigation.
Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesman, was not immediately available to comment on the matter when contacted by TheCable.
The development comes weeks after Ibrahim Ali, general officer commanding 3 Division in Rukuba, Jos North LGA, Plateau, said the army will deliver “heavy” punishments as a deterrent against officers involved in illegal arms trade.
“Let me warn that the Nigerian Army will deal heavily with any personnel that is involved in any illegal arms and ammunition deal,” he had said.
A week before the army’s warning, the Zamfara police command arrested suspected informants and arms suppliers who work for bandits in the state.
“The nefarious activities of this syndicate group were to give information to bandits to make it easier for them to attack communities and kidnap people for ransom,” Mohammed Shehu, the state police spokesman said.
“Let me warn that the Nigerian Army will deal heavily with any personnel that is involved in any illegal arms and ammunition deal,” he had said.
A week before the army’s warning, the Zamfara police command arrested suspected informants and arms suppliers who work for bandits in the state.
“The nefarious activities of this syndicate group were to give information to bandits to make it easier for them to attack communities and kidnap people for ransom,” Mohammed Shehu, the state police spokesman said.
Zamfara police had also said it arrested an ex-soldier identified as Saidu Lawal for supplying arms to bandits on August 27.
