News
Concern as over 40 Nigerian Security Personnel Arrested for Arming Terrorists
Concern as over 40 Nigerian Security Personnel Arrested for Arming Terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
A shocking trend of security personnel selling arms and ammunition to terrorists has reached a boiling point in Nigeria, with over 40 mobile policemen and soldiers arrested in recent months across the country.
This disturbing phenomenon was uncovered during discreet investigations into the proliferation of weapons used by terrorists and bandits, conducted by intelligence agencies in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Military Police.
The alarming revelation underscores a critical breach in Nigeria’s internal security, where individuals sworn to protect the nation are instead fueling violence and aiding criminal elements.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, had previously raised concerns over the illegal sale of arms by security agents to bandits and terrorists. Speaking at an event organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Abuja, Ribadu condemned the betrayal by these personnel.
“The worst human being is a policeman or a soldier who takes arms from his formation and sells them to bad people, enabling them to kill his own colleagues and fellow citizens,” Ribadu stated.
He stressed the urgent need to halt these practices, warning that they not only embolden terrorists but also exacerbate insecurity in Nigeria and the broader West African region.
The involvement of security personnel in arming terrorists not only compromises national security but also undermines regional efforts to combat terrorism.
This situation has also added to the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons(SALW) in view of the growing threat of terrorism in Nigeria, where the country is struggling to contain the infiltration of terrorists groups from countries like Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that these individuals were apprehended during discreet investigations
into the proliferation of weapons used by criminal elements, including terrorists and bandits in the North East, North West, North Central and South East part of the country.
Details of the Illicit Network
Investigations revealed that some of the arrested security personnel had amassed significant wealth from their illicit acts. A soldier was discovered to have over ₦50 million in his account from arms sales, while a mobile policeman had accumulated over ₦80 million.
AK47 riffle are holding ranging from N500,000 to N750,000 while other weapons like Anti Aircraft gun are sold from N1million and above.
These transactions highlight an organized and lucrative network of illicit arms trading between rogue soldier elements and the police.
The proliferation of these weapons has worsened insecurity in regions such as the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-East, where bandits, terrorists, and separatist groups continue to launch deadly attacks on communities.
Calls for Action
It is advised that DHQ should check involvement of security personnel in arms racketeering with a view to nipping the aspect in the bud while ONSA should direct the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) to investigate the arms trade and dismantle the networks facilitating these transactions.
Concern as over 40 Nigerian Security Personnel Arrested for Arming Terrorists
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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