Troops of operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested 18 serving soldiers and 15 police officers for allegedly selling arms to terrorists and other criminal elements.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday about the activities of troops in the north-east, Ademola Owolana, a major, said operation snowball, an exercise launched in August 2024 to target ammunition racketeering in the theatre, has recorded successes.

Owolana said the exercise was conducted across 11 states, with suspects arrested in Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Plateau, Kaduna, Rivers, Taraba and the federal capital territory (FCT).

He said eight civilians and one traditional ruler were also arrested over alleged arms racketeering.

“So far, a total of 18 soldiers, 15 mobile policemen, and eight civilians, including a traditional ruler, have been arrested,” he said.

Owolana said the “lucrative” nature of arms racketeering is the driving force behind the illegal activity.

He noted that Ameh Raphael, an armourer of the 7th division garrison, who has been engaging in the act since 2018, had N45 million in his bank account.

He added that Seidi Adamu of the 3rd division ordnance services, who has also been in the trade since 2022, had N34 million in his bank account.

He said the investigation revealed that N135 million passed through the bank account of Enoch Ngwa, a police inspector, arrested for arms racketeering.

He accused some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of conveying additives and food items to terrorist locations under the guise of humanitarian assistance.

“Additionally, a few soldiers motivated by greed are involved in ammunition racketeering, deliberately diverting arms from the military stockpiles and supply chains to terrorists,” he said.

“Such actions erode battlefield morale, reduce troops’ effectiveness, and strengthen enemy resistance.

“The most recent incident occurred on 24th February this year when a soldier of 144 Battalion was arrested with 30 rounds of 7.62mm specials at Tashin-Karo Kano by a military police K-19 on route search operations.

“Consequently, the theatre has continued to warn troops at all levels of the severe repercussions and sanctions of ammunition racketeering.

“Those found culpable have been dismissed and handed over to the police to serve as a deterrent.”

The Cable