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Nursing Mother, Lawmaker Abducted as Army Court Jails 3 Soldiers for Arms Deal with Terrorists
Gunmen abduct a nursing mother and Plateau lawmaker in separate attacks as kidnappers demand ₦50m ransom. Meanwhile, a Nigerian Army court-martial sentences three soldiers to life imprisonment for supplying arms to terrorists in the North-East.
Two women abducted in Nasarawa State on Sunday night have cried out for help as their kidnappers demanded ₦50 million ransom for their release.
One of the victims, the wife of a pastor and a nursing mother of a three-month-old baby, has reportedly been subjected to severe hardship. A family source said:
“The pastor’s wife who was kidnapped alongside a church member is a breast-feeding mother of a three-month-old baby. She is traumatized under her captors given her post-natal condition and long trekking in the forest. She is seriously worried over her health and separation from her baby.”
In one of the abductors’ calls, the distressed woman was heard pleading: “My baby, my baby, please who will help me out of this calamity? Somebody please help me out of this forest of pain.”
Sympathisers thronged the victims’ residence in Lafia, urging security authorities to intervene swiftly. Efforts to get a response from the state police command were unsuccessful as spokesman Ramhan Nansel could not be reached.
In a separate incident, gunmen abducted Hon. Laven Jacob, the lawmaker representing Pankshin South constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, on Monday night at his residence in Angwan Kaji, Jos North LGA.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo confirmed the abduction, saying:
“On receipt of the report, the DPO Rantya Division and the officer in charge of anti-kidnapping mobilised to the scene and are currently combing the bushes. The Commissioner of Police has directed the deployment of tactical teams to ensure his safe rescue.”
At press time, no contact had been made with Jacob’s family.
Court-Martial Hands Life Sentences to 3 Soldiers for Supplying Terrorists
Meanwhile, a special court-martial of the Nigerian Army has convicted four soldiers for illegal arms trade and aiding terrorists in the North-East.
Brigadier-General Mohammed Abdullahi, president of the court, sentenced Sergeants Raphael Ameh and Ejiga Musa, and Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje to life imprisonment, while Corporal Omitoye Rufus received 15 years in prison.
They pleaded guilty to multiple charges including theft, unlawful dealing in ammunition, offences relating to service property, and aiding the enemy—all punishable under the Armed Forces Act and other laws.
Investigations revealed:
- Sgt. Ameh, an armourer with 7 Division Garrison, conspired with late LCpl Ogbogo Isaac to divert ammunition, smuggling them hidden in bags of beans to Enugu and Ebonyi. He allegedly received proceeds through over 100 bank transactions between 2022 and 2024.
- Sgt. Musa, while serving as 195 Battalion armourer, stole and sold AK-47 rifles and ammunition, collecting over ₦500,000 before being caught.
- Cpl. Rufus sold 40 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to a police officer.
- LCpl. Ocheje conspired with others to supply PKT and AK-47 rounds to militias and terrorists.
Delivering judgment, Brig-Gen. Abdullahi stated:
“The activities of these bad eggs are not only a violation of the law but also a betrayal of the trust, discipline and honour expected of troops in the theatre. The Nigerian Army maintains zero tolerance for gross misconduct, fraudulent practices and unprofessional acts.”
He added that the convictions underscored the Army’s commitment to accountability, discipline and protecting public trust.
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