In a stark reminder of the dangers posed by internal sabotage, the Nigerian Army has handed down life sentences to four soldiers found guilty of selling arms and ammunition to criminal and terrorist groups.
The judgment underscores the Army’s determination to root out betrayal within its ranks as it battles insurgency in the North-East.
A Special Court Martial sitting at the Headquarters Theatre Command Officers’ Mess in Maiduguri on Thursday, 18 September 2025, convicted the soldiers after evidence revealed their involvement in a widespread arms racketeering ring that stretched across states.
Sergeants Raphael Ameh and Ejiga Musa, along with Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje, were sentenced to life imprisonment, while Corporal Omitoye Rufus received 15 years behind bars.
The court, presided over by Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, heard how the soldiers conspired with rogue police operatives to smuggle weapons hidden in bags of beans to Enugu and Ebonyi states, where they were sold to militias and criminal gangs.
Bank records showed over 100 suspicious transactions linked to the illicit trade.
Describing their actions as a “betrayal of the Nigerian Army”, Brigadier General Abdullahi said their conduct endangered troops, compromised counterterrorism operations, and strengthened the hand of insurgents.
The Army reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and sabotage, insisting that such acts will be met with severe punishment.
Security experts say the ruling is a strong signal to rogue personnel that collusion with the enemy will not be condoned.
As Operation HADIN KAI continues to lead counterterrorism efforts in the North-East, this landmark judgement is seen as a vital step towards restoring trust, discipline, and accountability within the Armed Forces.