By Olayemi Esan
In a landmark ruling aimed at stamping out internal sabotage and strengthening national security, a Special Court Martial (SCM) of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri has sentenced four soldiers to life imprisonment and other jail terms for arms and ammunition racketeering, aiding the enemy, and related offences.
The sentencing was handed down on Thursday, September 18, 2025, during proceedings held at the Headquarters Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, Maiduguri, by a court convened by the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu.
Delivering the verdict, the President of the Special Court Martial, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, said the soldiers were found guilty of serious crimes that endangered troops, compromised ongoing counterterrorism operations, and threatened national security.
The Convicted Soldiers
The four convicted personnel include:
- Sergeant Raphael Ameh – sentenced to life imprisonment.
- Sergeant Ejiga Musa – sentenced to life imprisonment.
- Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje – sentenced to life imprisonment.
- Corporal Omitoye Rufus – sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
They faced multiple charges ranging from theft, unlawful dealings in ammunition, offences related to service property, and aiding the enemy, in violation of the Armed Forces Act (AFA), Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, CAP A20, 2004, and other extant laws.
How the Racketeering Ring Operated
Evidence presented before the court revealed that the illegal network stretched across different states and involved collusion between rogue military personnel and police operatives.
Sgt Raphael Ameh, an armourer with 7 Division Garrison, was found to have conspired with late LCpl Ogbogo Isaac to steal ammunition from the division’s arms store.
Investigations uncovered how he worked with Inspector Francis Ajayi and Inspector Francis Manasseh of the 30 Police Mobile Force (PMF) to conceal stolen weapons in bags of beans and smuggle them to Enugu and Ebonyi states, where they were sold to criminals.
Bank records showed over 100 suspicious transactions linked to Sgt Ameh between July 2022 and June 2024, highlighting the scale of the illicit trade.
Sgt Ejiga Musa, who served as the main armourer of 195 Battalion, stole weapons and collaborated with LCpl Ocheje and Inspector Manasseh to sell an AK-47 rifle and large quantities of ammunition, receiving over ₦500,000 in illicit proceeds.
He was eventually caught when he attempted to sell ammunition to Inspector Ajayi, who was already under investigation.
Cpl Omitoye Rufus was convicted for selling 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition to Inspector Enoch Nwokolobia, while LCpl Patrick Ocheje, deployed at Forward Operating Base Molai, pilfered ammunition to sell to militias involved in communal clashes.
Further investigations revealed that LCpl Ocheje also received 20 rounds of PKT ammunition from Sgt Ejiga for sale to terrorist groups, and was found guilty of stealing an AK-47 rifle belonging to a fellow soldier.
Court's Position
Brigadier General Abdullahi, in his ruling, condemned the soldiers' actions as a betrayal of the Nigerian Army, stating: “Their illicit activities directly endanger troops, imperil military operations, and compromise national security. These actions amount to aiding the enemy and cannot be tolerated.”
He stressed that their conduct violated the trust, discipline, and honor expected of military personnel, describing them as "bad eggs" whose actions erode morale and tarnish the reputation of the Nigerian Army.
Nigerian Army’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, fraudulent practices, and unprofessional conduct, particularly the illegal sale of arms and ammunition. “No soldier is permitted to sell or transfer ammunition to adversaries or any individual under any guise,” Brigadier General Abdullahi emphasized.
He assured the public that the Army remains committed to accountability, justice, and professionalism, pledging to root out saboteurs through rigorous investigations and fair trials while fostering stronger relations with the Nigerian public.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the challenges faced by Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations, as internal sabotage not only strengthens criminal and terrorist groups but also undermines the sacrifices of law-abiding soldiers on the frontlines.
Security experts have praised the Army’s decisive action, describing it as a vital step towards restoring integrity and discipline within the ranks while reinforcing public confidence in the military.
Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) is the Nigerian military’s ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency mission in the North-East region, aimed at defeating Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other armed groups.
The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, headquartered in Maiduguri, plays a crucial role in coordinating these operations, making the actions of the convicted soldiers especially damaging to national security efforts.
The sentencing of these four soldiers sends a clear and strong message: the Nigerian Army will not tolerate acts of betrayal or collusion with enemies of the state.
As the nation battles insurgency and organized crime, this landmark judgment underscores the importance of discipline, accountability, and vigilance within the Armed Forces.