The Nigeria military has admitted that some of its officers have betrayed the country by selling arms to terrorists and men of the dreaded Boko Haram. In a report by AFP, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, the theater commander in northeastern Nigeria, made this known without giving detailed insight into the alleged betrayal. Irabor at a news conference simply implied that some officers are selling arms and ammunition to Boko Haram, indicating the corruption in fight against the Islamic extremists.
Maj. Gen. Irabor, said that the military authorities have confirmed that some soldiers were selling arms and ammunition to Boko Haram. He called it a betrayal of the Nigerian people but gave no more details.
The Army’s admission is coming three weeks after it said a military tribunal is trying 16 officers and troops accused of offenses related to the fight against Boko Haram, including the theft and sale of ammunition.
It should be noted that several army chiefs have been indicted and charged to court on embezzlement of funds meant for purchase of ammunitions for the Nigerian army in its quest and mandate to quash Boko Haram and rid the country off insurgency.
Though a multinational force has retaken most towns in the North east from Boko Haram with only few activities of the insurgents taking place outside urban areas, the army is said to have concluded plans to rid itself off corrupt officials.