Nigerian soldier arrested with 350 rounds of ammunition at Maiduguri terminal

DDM News

A Nigerian soldier has been arrested at the Borno Express Terminal in Maiduguri for illegal possession of military-grade ammunition.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the soldier, whose name was not immediately disclosed, was apprehended by the Military Police K9 Team during a routine search operation on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

The arrest occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m., following a security sweep that uncovered 350 rounds of 7.62mm special (SP) ammunition hidden inside a sack bag.

According to a confidential military memo seen by Sahara Reporters, the soldier is currently attached to the 134 Special Forces Battalion operating in the North-East region.

The document revealed that the suspect was on an official welfare leave approved to run from July 31 to August 17, 2025, allowing him to travel from Maiduguri to Kaduna.

Military investigators believe the soldier may have been attempting to smuggle the ammunition out of the conflict zone while on leave.

He is currently in custody as preliminary investigations continue into the origin and intended use of the seized ammunition.

Sources close to the investigation say that authorities are not ruling out the possibility of arms trafficking, collaboration with non-state actors, or internal sabotage.

This arrest comes amid growing concerns about the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition across Nigeria’s northern region, especially in Borno State, which remains the epicenter of the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies.

The Maiduguri-Borno axis has witnessed numerous cases of weapons diversion involving security operatives, raising questions about discipline and accountability within the ranks.

In January 2025, another soldier was arrested at the same Borno Express Terminal with 89 rounds of ammunition, suggesting a disturbing pattern of internal breaches.

Security analysts argue that the porous security protocol and corruption within the armed forces continue to fuel the unregulated movement of arms, ultimately threatening national stability.

The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the latest arrest, though insiders suggest that disciplinary measures will follow pending the outcome of investigations.

Military authorities are expected to determine whether the suspect acted alone or was part of a broader syndicate operating within or beyond military ranks.

This development underscores the urgent need for internal reforms, better monitoring, and stricter vetting of personnel deployed in conflict zones.

It also highlights the dangers posed by rogue elements within the military who may be aiding criminal or insurgent networks for personal gain.

As the investigation progresses, Nigerians await transparency and decisive action from the military hierarchy to prevent future breaches and restore public confidence in national security operations.

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