The Nigerian military has detained more than 30 security personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and civilians, for allegedly stealing weapons from military stockpiles and funneling them to armed groups, including jihadist factions like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The arrests, part of a sweeping operation codenamed “Operation Snowball,” underscore the deep-rooted challenges Nigeria faces in combating insurgency, as internal corruption threatens to undermine the nation’s fight against terrorism. This development, reported on May 30, 2025, highlights a disturbing nexus between security forces and the very groups they are tasked with defeating, raising questions about trust, oversight, and the ongoing war against jihadist violence in Nigeria’s volatile regions.
Operation Snowball: A Bold Move Against Internal Sabotage
Launched in August 2024, Operation Snowball was initiated by the Nigerian military to curb the rampant theft and illegal sale of arms from its stockpiles. The operation targeted multiple states, including Borno, Bauchi, and Lagos, where security personnel were suspected of engaging in ammunition racketeering. According to military sources, the detained individuals include 18 soldiers, 15 police officers, and eight civilians, all implicated in a sophisticated network that siphoned off weapons and ammunition to fuel Nigeria’s ongoing security crises. The scale of the operation reflects the military’s determination to root out internal saboteurs, but it also exposes the alarming extent to which corruption has infiltrated the ranks of those entrusted with protecting the nation.
Among the high-profile cases uncovered by Operation Snowball is that of a soldier apprehended with 30 rounds of ammunition, a seemingly small but significant haul that points to a broader pattern of theft. Even more troubling are the cases of two servicemen found with millions of naira in their bank accounts, amassed through the illicit sale of arms to insurgents since 2018 and 2022. These findings suggest a long-standing operation that has likely contributed to the proliferation of weapons in the hands of jihadist groups, enabling them to sustain their deadly campaigns across Nigeria’s northeast and beyond.
A Surge in Jihadist Attacks and the Role of Stolen Arms
The arrests come at a critical juncture for Nigeria, as 2025 has seen a resurgence of jihadist attacks, particularly in Borno State, the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency. Militants have increasingly targeted military bases, overrunning outposts and seizing weapons, which have bolstered their firepower. The stolen arms from military stockpiles, facilitated by corrupt security personnel, have directly contributed to this escalation, enabling groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP to carry out sophisticated and deadly assaults. For instance, recent attacks in Borno have seen jihadists equipped with military-grade weapons, a stark reminder of the consequences of internal betrayal.
The Nigerian military has long struggled to contain the insurgency, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions since Boko Haram’s emergence in 2009. The revelation that security personnel have been supplying weapons to these groups adds a layer of complexity to an already protracted conflict. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms within the military and police, as well as the broader socio-economic factors that drive such illicit activities.
Security Personnel Turning to Arms Trafficking?
Preliminary investigations into the detained personnel reveal a mix of motives behind their actions. Community pressure, particularly in conflict-ridden areas, appears to be a significant factor. In some cases, security personnel stationed in remote outposts face coercion from local actors or armed groups to supply weapons in exchange for safety or financial gain. The lucrative nature of the arms trade also plays a critical role, with some individuals amassing significant wealth through their illicit dealings. The discovery of millions of naira in the accounts of two servicemen highlights the profitability of this black-market trade, which thrives in the chaos of Nigeria’s conflict zones.
Moreover, the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria’s security forces cannot be ignored. Low pay, delayed salaries, and poor working conditions have long plagued the military and police, creating fertile ground for corruption. For some personnel, the temptation to profit from selling stolen arms outweighs the risks, especially in an environment where accountability has historically been weak. These systemic issues underscore the need for comprehensive reforms to address not only the symptoms of corruption but also its root causes.
The detention of over 30 security personnel is a significant step toward addressing internal sabotage, but it also highlights the uphill battle Nigeria faces in restoring trust in its security institutions. The fact that weapons meant to protect citizens are ending up in the hands of jihadists is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the system. This scandal risks further eroding public confidence in the military and police, institutions already grappling with criticism over human rights abuses and operational failures.
Operation Snowball’s success in apprehending suspects is commendable, but it is only the beginning. The Nigerian government must now ensure that those detained face swift and transparent prosecution to deter future misconduct. Strengthening oversight mechanisms, improving intelligence-sharing, and enhancing the welfare of security personnel are critical steps to prevent such betrayals from recurring. Additionally, the military must intensify efforts to secure its stockpiles, implementing stricter inventory controls and surveillance to curb theft.
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