The Nigerian Army Court Martial in Maiduguri, Borno State, has sentenced four soldiers for involvement in illegal arms and ammunition dealings across Borno, Enugu and Ebonyi states.
Three soldiers: Sergeants Raphael Ameh and Ejiga Musa, and Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje, were sentenced to life imprisonment, while Corporal Omitoye Rufus received a 15-year jail term.
Presiding over the trial, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi said: “Based on the evidence before this Court, Sergeants Raphael Ameh and Ejiga Musa, and Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje are sentenced to life imprisonment, while Corporal Omitoye Rufus is sentenced to 15 years in prison.”
Investigations revealed that Sgt. Ameh, an announcer with the 7 Division Garrison, conspired with the late Lance Corporal Ogbogo Isaac and others to divert weapons from the Division’s armoury. The stolen arms were concealed in bags of beans and smuggled to Enugu and Ebonyi states for criminal use, with proceeds laundered through more than 100 bank transactions.
Sgt. Ejiga, formerly with the 195th Battalion, was convicted of selling AK-47 rifles to militant and terror groups in collaboration with rogue security operatives. Cpl. Omitoye was found guilty of selling 40 rounds of ammunition to a police officer, while LCpl. Ocheje was implicated in supplying rifles and ammunition to terror groups.
General Abdullahi ruled that their actions endangered troops, undermined operations, and strengthened adversaries on the front lines. He condemned their betrayal of trust and discipline, stressing that the Army maintains zero tolerance for misconduct, corruption and collaboration with enemies.
“The activities of these bad eggs are a violation of the law and a grievous stain on the military uniform,” he declared. He warned that such acts erode morale, weaken discipline, and threaten national security, including Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The judge reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to accountability and professionalism, pledging to uphold discipline while sustaining public trust.
