The Nigerian military has confirmed the arrest of 33 security personnel, including 18 serving soldiers and 15 police officers for allegedly selling arms and ammunition to terrorists and criminal gangs. The explosive revelation was made public during a press briefing held in Maiduguri by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, represented by Major Ademola Owolana.
The arrests are part of the ongoing Operation Snowball, a sweeping exercise launched in August 2024 to dismantle ammunition racketeering networks operating within and beyond the North-East. So far, the operation has yielded significant results, with suspects apprehended across 11 Nigerian states, including Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Plateau, Kaduna, Rivers, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Among those arrested is Ameh Raphael, identified as the armourer of the 7th Division Garrison, who has allegedly been involved in illegal arms dealings since 2018. Shockingly, Raphael was found to have N45 million in his bank account, suggesting years of deep-rooted involvement in the arms black market.
Another major suspect is Seidi Adamu of the 3rd Division Ordnance Services, who has reportedly been in the illegal trade since 2022. He was discovered with a bank balance of N34 million, raising serious questions about the oversight and accountability mechanisms within Nigeria’s security forces.
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Perhaps the most startling discovery involved Inspector Enoch Ngwa of the Nigeria Police, whose bank account recorded suspicious transactions totaling N135 million. His arrest has added to growing fears that arms meant for national security may be routinely diverted to those fueling Nigeria’s ongoing insurgency and insecurity.
The operation also led to the arrest of eight civilians and a traditional ruler believed to be complicit in the criminal network. As investigations deepen, many Nigerians are calling for transparency, swift prosecution, and sweeping reforms in the nation’s armed forces and police.
This developing story has ignited public outrage and intensified concerns about internal sabotage within Nigeria’s security architecture. With billions lost and countless lives endangered, the nation now watches closely as authorities move to cleanse the ranks and restore public trust.
