In a shocking development, 18 soldiers and 15 police officers have been arrested for allegedly selling weapons to terrorists and other criminal groups across the country.
The arrests were carried out under Operation Snowball, a major security operation launched in August 2024 to crack down on illegal arms sales within the armed forces and police. The announcement was made by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, during a press briefing in Maiduguri, Borno State. He was represented by Major Ademola Owolana, the Staff Officer, Administration.
According to the military, the operation, which covered 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led to the arrest of suspects in Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Plateau, Kaduna, Rivers, Taraba, and Abuja. In addition to the 33 security personnel, eight civilians and one traditional ruler were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the illegal trade.
One of the key suspects is Ameh Raphael, an armourer with the 7th Division Garrison, who has reportedly been supplying arms illegally since 2018. Authorities revealed that N45 million was found in his bank account.
Another suspect, Seidi Adamu, attached to the 3rd Division Ordnance Services, has allegedly been involved in arms dealing since 2022. He had a total of N34 million in his bank account.
In the police force, one of the main suspects is Inspector Enoch Ngwa, who, according to investigators, had N135 million pass through his bank account, suspected to be proceeds from illegal arms sales.
“These arrests are a major breakthrough and show that we are committed to cleaning up the security forces,” said Major Owolana. “We will not allow a few bad eggs to destroy the integrity of our military and police.”
This development comes at a time when Nigeria is battling increasing insecurity, particularly in the North-East, where Boko Haram and other terrorist groups have continued to launch deadly attacks. Experts say the illegal sale of weapons by insiders in the armed forces has helped fuel the crisis.
The revelation has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for deep reforms within the country’s security institutions. Many Nigerians have expressed concern that those entrusted with protecting citizens are instead helping to arm those who attack them.
Investigations are still ongoing, and military officials have promised that all those found guilty will face the full wrath of the law. The Defence Headquarters has not yet commented on whether more arrests are expected.
This case highlights the urgent need for stricter monitoring of weapons in military and police custody, as well as stronger background checks and financial surveillance for personnel in sensitive positions.
