The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a soldier identified as Private Bara’u Tajuddeen, allegedly caught with stolen military ammunition intended for sale to bandits. Private Tajuddeen, bearing the service number 22NA/82/3441, serves with the 19 Special Force Brigade in Maiduguri, a unit at the forefront of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.
The arrest reportedly occurred at a motor park in Maiduguri as Tajuddeen attempted to board transportation to Kano, carrying the stolen ammunition with him. Among the seized items were anti-aircraft rounds, which are specialized and powerful munitions used in military operations. Authorities suspect the ammunition was intended for sale to armed groups, posing a significant threat to public safety and security.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about internal security and the potential for criminal elements to exploit weaknesses within the armed forces. Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine whether the soldier was part of a larger operation or working alone.