Betrayal in Uniform: Army Jails Four Soldiers For Selling Weapons To Criminals

In a landmark judgment that underscores the Nigerian Army’s resolve to stamp out internal sabotage and criminal collusion, a Special Court Martial sitting in Maiduguri has sentenced four soldiers to varying jail terms, including three to life imprisonment, for their involvement in arms and ammunition racketeering.

The trial, convened by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Sector 1 Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, found the soldiers guilty of theft, unlawful dealing in ammunition, offences relating to service property, and aiding the enemy—serious breaches of the Armed Forces Act (AFA), Laws of the Federation of Nigeria CAP A20, 2004.

On September 18, 2025, the Court, presided over by Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, handed down life sentences to Sergeant Rapheal Ameh, Sergeant Ejiga Musa, and Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje. Corporal Omitoye Rufus received a 15-year prison term after admitting guilt to multiple counts of selling ammunition.

Evidence revealed shocking details of how trusted armourers diverted weapons meant for frontline troops into the hands of criminals and militias. Sgt. Ameh, once an armourer with 7 Division Garrison, conspired with the late LCpl. Ogbogo Isaac to pilfer ammunition, concealing arms in sacks of beans smuggled to Enugu and Ebonyi States with the help of collaborators in the Police Mobile Force. Over 100 suspicious bank transactions linked him to proceeds of the illicit trade between July 2022 and June 2024.

Sgt. Ejiga Musa, armourer of 195 Battalion, was caught after attempting to sell ammunition to an undercover police inspector, having earlier supplied rifles and rounds in collusion with LCpl. Ocheje and rogue officers. Cpl. Rufus was convicted for selling 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, while LCpl. Ocheje was found guilty of supplying ammunition to militias during communal clashes and stealing a colleague’s AK-47 rifle.

Delivering judgment, Brigadier General Abdullahi condemned the soldiers’ actions as “a betrayal of trust, discipline, and honor” that placed fellow troops and national security at grave risk. “The illicit trade in arms directly endangers our soldiers, imperils operations in the North-East theatre, and strengthens the enemy. Such conduct is unforgivable,” he declared.

In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Mohammed Sani, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the Nigerian Army reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against misconduct, stressing that the convictions demonstrate its commitment to accountability and professionalism.

“These convictions show that while we honor and reward gallant service, we will not hesitate to punish betrayal and criminality. Nigerians must know the Army remains serious about discipline and integrity,” the statement read.

The convictions come as troops continue the grueling fight against insurgents in the North-East. Security analysts say rooting out insider threats is not only critical to operational success but also to restoring public confidence in the Army’s ability to safeguard the nation.