By Attah Ede
The Nigerian Army on Friday apprehended a serving military personnel identified as 13NA/70/8069 Corporal Legedu Denebari, who was found with stolen ammunition and other military equipment in Plateau State.
The suspect is attached to the 109 Special Forces Battalion, Magumeri, Borno State, serving under Operation HADIN KAI.
Denebari was arrested during a routine stop-and-search operation after troops discovered a magazine containing 69 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm Special ammunition in his possession, alongside other military items.
It was gathered on Friday that the arrest occurred at about 8:15 p.m. on September 2, 2026, at Babale Checkpoint in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Other items recovered from him included two Strike Force ballistic plates, two jack knives, a mobile phone, a power bank, a helmet, a Nigerian Army identity card, and two pairs of camouflage uniforms.
According to the Army, preliminary findings showed that Denebari was on pass from his unit and was travelling to Rivers State from September 2.
The soldier and the recovered items have subsequently been placed in custody as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding his possession and movement of the ammunition and military equipment.
The Army said the incident highlights the importance of sustained stop-and-search operations within the Joint Operations Area, particularly in checking the unauthorised movement of arms, ammunition, and other military assets.
Further investigations are expected to establish how the ammunition and equipment came into the soldier’s possession and whether any other persons were involved.
