Nigerian soldier arrested over alleged ammunition smuggling

A 25-year-old Nigerian soldier has been arrested in Kaduna State for allegedly transporting a large cache of unauthorized ammunition from a frontline military unit.

Private Y. Yunusa, serving with the 197 Special Forces Battalion based in Zamfara State, was intercepted around 11:55 a.m. on Friday in Jaji, within the Igabi Local Government Area.

According to a report by SaharaReporters, authorities found him in possession of 214 rounds of various calibres of military-grade ammunition.

A classified military report made available to the online newspaper detailed that Yunusa was caught carrying several types of ammunition—some linked and some unlinked—as well as his military ID and multiple ATM cards.

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The seized items included 50 rounds of 12.7×108mm and 69 rounds of 7.62×54mmR, both linked by chains, in addition to 35 rounds of unlinked 7.62×54mmR and 60 rounds of 5.56×45mm. He also carried ATM cards from Opay, Unity Bank, Access Bank, and First Bank.

During questioning, Yunusa reportedly admitted that he collected the ammunition during field operations, claiming to be the operator of an anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on a military vehicle.

The report stated:”About 1155hrs of 18th April 2025, one Y. Yunusa, a 25-year-old military Private (PTE), was apprehended in Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State.”The suspect said he is a member of the 197 Special Forces Battalion, Zamfara State.”He was found in possession of unauthorised ammunition along with his Military ID Card and the under-listed items —”50 rounds of 12.7×108mm linked with a chain, 69 rounds of 7.62×54mmR also linked, 35 rounds of 7.62×54mmR without chain, and 60 rounds of 5.56×45mm; and ATM cards from Opay, Unity Bank, Access Bank, and First Bank.”

Military authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident.