The Nigerian military has proposed life imprisonment or the death penalty for soldiers found guilty of supplying arms or ammunition to bandits and terrorists.
Major General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander of Sector Operation Fansan Yamma, revealed this during a press briefing in Sokoto with Defence Correspondents as part of a Defence Headquarters (DHQ) initiative to offer journalists a frontline experience.
Maj.-Gen. Ajose addressed growing concerns over internal sabotage within the ranks, particularly allegations of soldiers collaborating with terrorists. He warned that such actions would no longer be treated lightly.
“We are proposing life imprisonment or the death penalty for personnel caught selling or leasing arms to terrorists,” Ajose stated firmly.
He also condemned the misuse of social media by soldiers in conflict zones, describing it as a direct violation of military regulations punishable by dismissal.
On operational achievements, the GOC disclosed that military engagements have significantly reduced the threat posed by the Lakurawa terror group in Sokoto and Kebbi States.
“We have dismantled their camps in both states. Although they are mobile and cross into Niger Republic, our collaboration with the Nigerien military is yielding results,” he noted.
Ajose emphasized that while progress has been made, the cost has been steep, with some soldiers losing their lives or being gruesomely killed during operations.
In a separate feat, the military rescued 100 hostages in Katsina State without firing a shot. This breakthrough came through strategic dialogue with local Fulani and Hausa communities under a non-kinetic approach. The GOC noted that the success led to a few bandits expressing interest in surrendering.
“Our community engagement built trust. Where the military has consistent presence, locals volunteer intelligence. But where there’s no state support or basic amenities, mistrust festers,” he cautioned, urging state governments to complement military efforts with development.
Ajose dismissed rumors of drone strikes by terrorists in the Northwest, confirming that troops had neutralized such threats early on.
“They tried once. We shot down their drone. They haven’t dared since,” he said.
The visit and press briefing are part of the military’s transparency campaign to counter misinformation and build public confidence.
