Nigeria Detains Soldiers and Police Over Weapons Sales to Armed Groups

 Nigeria Detains Soldiers and Police Over Weapons Sales to Armed Groups

The Nigerian military has detained over two dozen soldiers and police officers for allegedly selling weapons from military stockpiles to armed groups, including insurgents. The arrests are part of a nationwide crackdown on racketeering involving ammunition and weapon trafficking, which has fueled ongoing insecurity across Nigeria.

Captain Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the anti-insurgency operations, confirmed that 18 soldiers, 15 police officers, and eight civilians have been taken into custody, though details about the types and quantities of weapons involved have not been disclosed. The government states that suspects will be prosecuted for acts detrimental to national security.

Nigeria faces persistent challenges from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province militants, who have overrun military bases in Borno State and seized weapons, exacerbating ongoing insurgencies and violence.

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