We bought guns at N1m each from serving soldier -Suspect

From Femi Oyelola,

Kaduna

A suspected bandit identified as Dago Sale has alleged in an interrogation video that his gang purchased firearms for N1 million each from a serving Nigerian soldier, while also claiming that the group collected N1 billion in ransom from two separate kidnapping operations involving officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.

In the interrogation footage conducted in Hausa, Sale alleged that a soldier whom he identified only as Abdul personally supplied and delivered weapons in a vehicle to the gang’s operational base in Kaduna State.

Repeatedly confirming the price during questioning, Sale stated that each firearm cost the criminal network N1 million.

Sale, who disclosed that he had been involved in banditry for approximately four years under the spiritual guidance of a traditional healer or boka, offered detailed information regarding the group’s hideouts, operational tactics, and financial collections.

He identified a key camp in the Rijana forest of Kaduna State—located deep beyond Sabuwa Gayam and Doguwa Gayam—while noting that the gang also carried out extensive operations around Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

Regarding high-profile abductions, the suspect claimed that the gang secured N1 billion in total ransom payments from two distinct operations targeting Nigeria Customs Service personnel, receiving N500 million per case.

He stated that the group abducted a Customs officer during the first operation and seized the wife of another officer in the second instance to compel compliance.

Describing their road ambush methods along the Lokoja highway, Sale explained that gang members blocked traffic to inspect passing vehicles, selectively abducting travelers who appeared wealthy based on their attire and automobile model.

He added that the group routinely demanded ransoms ranging between N100 million and N200 million per victim, holding captives in forest camps while negotiations took place with family members.

Outlining the group’s operational capacity, Sale estimated that around 20 armed members manned the Lokoja camp, whereas over 100 bandits spread across roughly 10 distinct cells operated within Kaduna State, asserting that their overall strength exceeded 200 fighters.

Elaborating on the alleged arms supply, Sale claimed the soldier usually delivered firearms between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. before departing around 8:00 p.m.

He further alleged that the soldier built several houses in an area named Pida Bulu, Babang Saura, using proceeds from illicit sales, and claimed the soldier was currently holding N5 million of his personal funds intended for purchasing building materials to renovate a property.

Sale explained that gang leaders originally introduced members to the military contact and confirmed that he personally participated in firearm transactions. When questioned by interrogators, the suspect expressed willingness to assist security agencies in identifying and locating the alleged military accomplice and other arms suppliers.

While Sale noted that active gang members continue to operate along the Lokoja axis, he stated that he did not know the specific name of the forest where certain victims were being held.

The claims made in the video remain unverified by independent authorities, and military and security agencies have not issued an official statement regarding the allegations.