Four members of the Nigerian Army, comprising two Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and two Non-Commissioned Officers, have been handed prison sentences for involvement in arms and ammunition trafficking, as well as for aiding enemy forces.
The Special Court Martial (SCM), convened by Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), delivered the verdict.
During the proceedings held on 18 September 2025 at the Headquarters Theatre Command Officers’ Mess in Maiduguri, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, President of the SCM, announced the convictions. Sgt Raphael Ameh, Sgt Ejiga Musa, and LCpl Patrick Ocheje were each sentenced to life imprisonment, while Cpl Omitoye Rufus received a 15-year sentence. The accused had pleaded guilty to multiple charges including theft, illegal handling of ammunition, offenses related to service property, and aiding the enemy-offenses punishable under the Armed Forces Act (AFA) Law of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) CAP A20 2004 and other applicable laws.
Evidence presented revealed that Sgt Raphael Ameh, serving as an Armourer at the 7 Division Garrison, conspired with the late LCpl Ogbogo Isaac to steal ammunition from the division’s armory. Further investigations uncovered his collaboration with Inspector Francis Ajayi and Francis Manasseh of the 30 Police Mobile Force (PMF) to smuggle weapons concealed in bags of beans to Enugu and Ebonyi states, where they were supplied to criminal elements.
Financial records showed Sgt Ameh received payments from this illegal operation through over 100 bank transactions spanning from July 2022 to June 2024.
Similarly, Sgt Ejiga Musa, while assigned as the main armourer at the 195 Battalion, was found guilty of stealing and conspiring with LCpl Patrick Ocheje and Inspector Francis Manasseh to sell AK-47 rifles and large quantities of ammunition. Records indicate he profited over Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) from these illicit sales. His downfall came when he attempted to sell ammunition to Inspector Francis Ajayi, also of the 30 PMF.
Cpl Omitoye Rufus was convicted for selling 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition to Inspector Enoch Nwokolobia.
LCpl Patrick Ocheje, stationed at Forward Operating Base Molai, was persuaded by Inspector Francis Manasseh to steal ammunition intended for sale to militia groups amid communal conflicts. Investigations further revealed that he received 20 rounds of PKT ammunition from Sgt Ejiga Musa for distribution to terrorist organizations, in partnership with Inspector Francis Ajayi. Additionally, LCpl Ocheje was found guilty of stealing an AK-47 rifle belonging to a fellow soldier.
The court emphasized that such illegal arms trading poses a direct threat to military personnel, jeopardizes operational effectiveness, and compromises national security, thereby constituting aiding the enemy.
Brigadier General Abdullahi, presiding over the court, condemned the actions of these individuals as not only unlawful but a profound breach of the discipline, trust, and honor expected of soldiers operating in conflict zones.
The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct, corruption, and unprofessional behavior. Such violations undermine unit cohesion, damage morale, and tarnish the reputation of the armed forces.
The Army’s dedication to upholding integrity is demonstrated through rigorous investigations and a firm commitment to justice, balancing accountability with efforts to cultivate professionalism and strengthen public trust.
Brigadier General Abdullahi reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering stance against the sale of ammunition to adversaries or any unauthorized parties, regardless of circumstances or pretexts.
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