PICTORIAL: Army Arrests Soldier Who Concealed Illegal Arms In Bag Of Rice

The Nigerian Army (NA) Police have arrested a personnel of the Service for illegal possession of ammunition and explosives during a routine search operation at the Borno Express Terminal in Maiduguri, Borno State.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday, said the operation was in line with the NA commitment to uphold the highest standards of conduct and ethics expected of its personnel.

He said the soldier, Lance Corporal Mubarak Yakubu, was found in possession of 756 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and four 36 hand grenades, ingeniously concealed within a small bag of rice.

He said, “the arrest underscores Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of illegal activity or contravention of military regulations by its personnel.”

He said preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier had been de-inducted from active theatre operations in March 2024 and was undergoing de-induction training at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

He added that the soldier was on a welfare pass from Jaji to Kaduna and Adamawa from April 30, 2024, to May 13, 2024, when the arrest took place.

He, therefore, assured the public that the Army will continue to act decisively to maintain discipline within its ranks and ensure the security of all Nigerians.

General Nwachukwu said the soldier in question is currently in custody and a thorough investigation has commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident and “to apply the appropriate disciplinary measures.”

“This proactive measure by the Military Police K9 Team reflects Nigerian Army’s relentless vigilance and its proactive approach to enforcing compliance with military laws and regulations,” the Army spokesman added.