A Special Court-Martial convened by the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State, has sentenced four soldiers to various prison terms over their involvement in arms trafficking.
The trial, which took place at the Officers’ Mess of the Theatre Command Headquarters, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), was presided over by Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander of Sector 1, OPHK.
Delivering judgment, the President of the Court-Martial, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, pronounced three of the soldiers—Sergeant Raphael Ameh, Sergeant Ejiga Musa, and Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje—guilty of colluding with police officers and terrorist groups to traffic arms. They were each sentenced to life imprisonment.
Corporal Omitoye Rufus was handed a 15-year prison term for his role in the illegal arms trade.
The Nigerian Army said the sentences reflect its zero tolerance for indiscipline and its commitment to restoring professionalism within the ranks, particularly in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.
