In a significant crackdown on internal corruption, the Nigerian military has detained more than 40 security personnel—including 18 soldiers, 15 police officers, and 8 civilians—for allegedly selling weapons from military stockpiles to armed groups, including Islamist insurgents.
Captain Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the military’s anti-insurgency operation, stated that the arrests are part of a broader effort to combat ammunition racketeering within the security forces. “It is part of the counter-arms and ammunition racketeering operation conducted in every theatre of operations,” Kovangiya told Reuters. “If any personnel engage in any act that is inimical to the system, they are arrested and tried.”
While authorities have not disclosed the specific types and quantities of weapons involved, the suspects are expected to face prosecution. This development underscores the challenges Nigeria faces in maintaining the integrity of its security apparatus amid ongoing battles against insurgency and banditry.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security threats, including a prolonged insurgency in the northeast and widespread kidnappings by armed gangs in the northwest. The infiltration of security forces by corrupt elements exacerbates these challenges, undermining efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian military has emphasized its commitment to rooting out corruption within its ranks and has warned that personnel found complicit in such activities will face severe consequences. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and reform within the nation’s security institutions.
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