Operation Hadin Kai is a major military action in Nigeria. It was launched to fight against terrorism, mainly in the northeastern part of the country. The goal is to stop groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP from attacking towns, killing people, and spreading fear.

The operation has been running for a while. But in 2024, a new side mission was launched under it, called Operation Snowball. This new move was meant to catch people inside the system who might be helping the enemy from within.

That’s exactly what happened. A group of soldiers and police officers have been caught for allegedly selling guns and bullets to terrorist groups.

You can read full stories like this on Nairaland, where we cover major crime news in simple terms.

The Big Arrests: Who Got Caught?

As per reports from Nigerian authorities, a total of 33 security personnel were arrested:

18 soldiers
15 mobile police officers

Apart from these, 8 civilians were also caught, including a traditional ruler.

They were all picked up during investigations across 11 states, including Borno, Benue, Lagos, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The arrests were part of an effort to clean up the military and police ranks. These people are believed to have given away guns, ammunition, and other weapons to known terrorists.

Such crimes are very serious because they directly help terrorists carry out attacks against innocent people.

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The Shocking Part – Money Involved

One of the most surprising things was the amount of money found in the suspects’ bank accounts. These were not small amounts.

Here are some examples:

One soldier, Sergeant Ameh Raphael, had over ₦45 million (around ₹80 lakh) in his account. He worked as an armourer, which means he was in charge of storing and handling weapons.
Another soldier, Sergeant Seidi Adamu, had ₦34 million (around ₹60 lakh). He was linked to the 3rd Division Ordnance Services.
A police officer, Inspector Enoch Ngwa, had over ₦135 million (more than ₹2.4 crore) in bank transactions.

These are not normal earnings. Most of the accused are suspected to have earned this money by selling weapons meant for national security to criminal groups.

Such cases make people ask how deep the problem is and how many more might be involved.

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Why Is This a Big Deal?

This case is not just about money. It’s about national security.

When people inside the army or police sell weapons to terrorists, it affects everything:

It puts common people in danger
It weakens the fight against terrorism
It breaks the trust people have in the system

The weapons sold were not small tools. These were full military-grade guns and bullets. Terrorists use them in attacks that kill innocent civilians and soldiers.

This kind of inside help is one reason terrorist groups continue to survive and cause harm even after years of military action.

What’s Being Done Now?

The military has confirmed that all suspects are being investigated. They are likely to face strong punishment under military and civil law.

Officials said this was not a one-time issue. They believe similar networks might be active in other parts of the country too.

Because of that, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters said more monitoring and background checks will now be done, especially for those who handle weapons or work in sensitive posts.

This case also highlights how even in strong systems, corruption and betrayal can happen. But catching the suspects is a big step forward.

Follow this case on Nairaland where we will update you whenever there is new information.

What Can Be Learned From This?

Even though this happened in Nigeria, there are lessons for many countries, including India.

Terrorism is not just about bombs and guns—it also involves secret money, inside help, and illegal trades.

This case shows how important it is for all countries to keep a check on their own forces and make sure weapons don’t land in the wrong hands.

In India too, we often hear about fake arms licenses, missing weapons, and border smuggling. So, being alert is important everywhere.

Final Words

The Operation Hadin Kai scandal is one of the biggest arms-related crimes in recent times. When those meant to protect a country end up helping its enemies, it becomes a matter of national concern.

But at least the arrests show that steps are being taken to fix the problem. People involved in such serious crimes must be punished, no matter what position they hold.

To keep up with more such news, make sure to check Nairaland often. We explain news in a way that is clear, simple, and useful for everyone.

Whether it’s local updates or big international crimes, Nairaland covers it without the fuss.

Operation Hadin Kai: 33 Soldiers and Police Officers Caught in Arms Deal With Terrorists