The Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier, Lance Corporal, Mubarak Yakubu, for allegedly stealing ammunition in Borno State.
Yakubu was apprehended by the Troops of Operation Hadin Kai during a stop and search operations in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
The suspect was arrested on Thursday by 7 Division Military Police K9 Team on routine search operation at Borno express terminal where the suspect was about boarding a vehicle in Maiduguri to another Northern state where the ammunition was expected to be delivered to terrorists.
A source in the state, Zagazola Makama, narrated that the soldier was apprehended after the military officers spy dogs detected that the suspect’s bag was filled with ammunition.According to him, “After a thorough search, Yakubu was discovered to have been in possession 756 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and 4 x 36 Hand Grenade concealed inside a small bag of rice.
“The soldier is currently in custody of the military for further action”, he added.
Confirming the arrest, Director Army Public Relations, Major Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed that the suspect was on welfare pass from Jaji to Kaduna and Adamawa from April 30, 2024, to May 13, 2024, when the arrest took place.
Nwachukwu, in a statement released and made available to newsmen, stated that the arrest further indicated the Army dedication to the country’s security and end insurgency across the country.
According to the statement, “The Nigerian Army (NA) in its commitment to uphold the highest standards of conduct and ethics expected of its personnel has apprehended a personnel for illegal possession of ammunition and explosives during a routine search operation by the Military Police K9 Team, at the Borno Express Terminal in Maiduguri, Borno State.
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.
 This arrest underscores Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of illegal activity or contravention of military regulations by its personnel.
Preliminary investigation has 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. 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.
The NA wishes to assure the public that it will continue to act decisively to maintain discipline within its ranks and ensure the security of all Nigerians.
The soldier in question is currently in custody and a thorough investigation has commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding this 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 Nigerian Army remains committed to its role as a professional military organization dedicated to the service of our nation and the protection of its citizenry”.
