Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested 18 serving soldiers and 15 mobile policemen for allegedly supplying arms to non-state actors.
The disclosure was made by Major Ademola Owolana, Staff Officer Grade Two, OPHK, while briefing defence correspondents in Maiduguri on the activities of the Joint Task Force North-East for the 2024–2025 operational year.
Major Owolana said the arrests were part of Operation Snowball, launched in August 2024 to combat ammunition racketeering within the theatre of operations. The operation spans 11 states, with arrests made in Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Plateau, Kaduna, Rivers, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“So far, a total of 18 soldiers, 15 mobile policemen, and eight civilians—including a traditional ruler—have been arrested,” Owolana stated.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that community pressure on security personnel to provide arms for communal conflicts, as well as the lucrative nature of the illegal trade, were key factors driving the criminal activity.
Highlighting the scale of the illicit operation, Major Owolana noted that Sergeant Ameh Raphael, an armourer of the 7th Division Garrison, who has been involved in arms trafficking since 2018, had over ₦45 million in his account. Similarly, Sergeant Seidi Adamu of the 3rd Division Ordnance Services, involved since 2022, had over ₦34 million.
Furthermore, a staggering ₦135 million was discovered to have passed through the account of Inspector Enoch Ngwa, a police officer arrested in connection with arms racketeering.
“In view of these findings, more stringent punishments are necessary to serve as a deterrent,” he emphasized.
In addition to combating arms trafficking, Major Owolana reported significant progress in the crackdown on terrorist logistics networks. From January 2025 to date, over 186 individuals—including logistics suppliers, spies, and collaborators—have been arrested across the theatre.
He also raised concerns about the proliferation of drugs and narcotics, which bolster the operational capabilities of terrorist groups. In response, he said, the Joint Intelligence Mission Centre, military intelligence units, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intensified efforts to dismantle these networks.
However, he noted that the lack of tracking devices continues to hinder the identification and arrest of logistics suppliers.
Owolana further expressed alarm over alleged collusion by certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs), accusing some of smuggling additives and food supplies to terrorist enclaves under the guise of humanitarian aid.
He lamented the impact of internal sabotage, citing the actions of fifth columnists and greedy personnel within the military.
“Some soldiers, driven by personal gain, have diverted arms from military stockpiles to terrorists. These acts undermine morale, reduce operational effectiveness, and empower the enemy,” he said.
He cited a recent incident on February 24, in which a soldier from the 144 Battalion was apprehended at Tashin-Karo, Kano, with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a military police route search operation.
“In response, the theatre continues to warn troops at all levels about the severe consequences of ammunition racketeering. Those found guilty have been dismissed from service and handed over to the police for prosecution,” he concluded.
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