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Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Nigeria detains soldiers, police over weapons sales to armed groups
ABUJA - The Nigerian military has detained over two dozen soldiers and members of the police force over sales of weapons from military stockpiles to armed groups, including Islamist insurgents, a spokesperson said. Africa's most populous country and biggest energy producer, Nigeria is battling insecurity on many fronts, including a long-running insurgency in the northeast and armed kidnapping gangs in the northwest. Captain Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the military's anti-insurgency operation, said the arrests were part of a crackdown on racketeering involving ammunition. Local media reported that 18 soldiers, 15 policemen and eight civilians were taken into custody. "It is part of the counter-arms and ammunition racketeering operation conducted in every theatre of operations," Kovangiya told Reuters. "If any personnel engage in any act that is inimical to the system, they are arrested and tried." Kovangiya did not elaborate on the types and numbers of weapons sold but said the suspects would be prosecuted. Nigeria has this year experienced a surge in attacks by militants from Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province, who have overrun some military bases in the northeastern state of Borno. In the course of most of the raids, militants have seized weapons from army bases. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Nigeria appoints new commander after renewed militant attacks in northeast
ABUJA - Nigeria has appointed a new commander for its fight against insurgency in the northeast after renewed attacks in the last four months that have killed several civilians and soldiers in the region. The military appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as its 15th commander in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency in the northeast, Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the operation, said in a statement. Abubakar's previous roles include deputy commandant of the Nigerian Defence College and commander of a major security operation in north-central Nigeria. Boko Haram and its splinter rival, the Islamic State West Africa Province, have increased attacks in recent weeks in northeast Nigeria. These incidents have raised fears of a major comeback by the jihadists, whose tactics now include armed drones and explosive devices planted on major roads, security experts said. On Tuesday, ISWAP claimed responsibility for an attack on Borno state that killed at least 26 people, the group said in a statement on Telegram. The insurgents have been battling security forces for over 15 years in the northeast and often use improvised explosive devices to attack civilians and security forces. The army did not link the new appointment to a surge in attacks. "It is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities, almost on a daily basis without confrontation, signalled that Borno State is losing ground," Borno state governor Babangida Zulum told security chiefs this month. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
