Soldier captured by the Army with ammunition hidden in a rice bag

Lance Corporal Mubarak Yakubu, a member of the Nigerian Army, was detained for unlawfully possessing explosives and ammunition.

The soldier was taken into custody at the Borno Express Terminal in Maiduguri, Borno State, following a standard search by the Military Police K9 Team.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, disclosed the news in a statement on Thursday.

Nwachukwu 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. This arrest underscores the 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,”

He went on to say that the Nigerian Army’s unwavering attention to detail and its proactive enforcement of adherence to military rules and regulations are reflected in the aggressive action taken by the Military Police K9 Team.

“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,” Nwachukwu noted.