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Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? - Politics - Nairaland

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Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by GARRIx7(m): 1:32am On Jan 02, 2013
Saw this article and thought I'd share it.. It has actually been posted here before....

Saharareporters has obtained a secret report by the Nigerian Army implicating current National Security Adviser, Gen Andrew Azazi (rtd), former Governors James Ibori and DSP Alamieyeseigha, and former Director-General of the State Security Service, Lt. Col Kayode Are (rtd) in the massive diversion and sale of Nigerian army weaponry to Niger Delta militants.

SaharaReporters obtained the intelligence report one week after Sonny Bowie Okah denounced members of his family as “killers” and vowed to destroy them, and a few days after the State Security Services intercepted 13 container loads of arms being imported into Nigeria through the Lagos port.

Sonny Bowei Okah, a brother to Henry Okah, the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta currently facing terrorism charges in South Africa, is portrayed in the report as a central character in the deals. Also mentioned in the document are Major Gen R.O. Adekhegba, a former Director of the Directorate of Military Intelligence, Henry Okah himself, Major S.A. Akubo, a serving army officer, and ten soldiers who worked with the Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps.

The 35-page report, which is dated November 2007, is the product of an intensive investigation by the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps following a tip-off by a soldier and a red flag by the SSS that army weapons were flowing from an ordinance depots in Kaduna and Jaji to militants.

Azazi, who was chief of army staff at the time, Adekhegba, former army intelligence chief, and Are, the then SSS director, reportedly covered up the matter. Ibori and Alamieyeseigha were named as having financed the arms deals.

The report, suppressed for long by the military hierarchy and the Federal Government, details in shocking detail how Sunny Okah funneled over N100 million to Major Akubo and the soldiers in exchange for over 7,000 cache of assorted arms and ammunition.

The report reveals that, within a seven-year period, Sonny Okah colluded with Major Akubo to move the weaponry. “They would surreptitiously drive Isuzu pick-up vans and sewage disposal trucks into ordinance depots in Jaji and Kaduna and then ferry out high-caliber and light weapons, even ammunitions,” said a source within the intelligence community who also had access to the report.

The report describes Sunny Okah as the major middleman between the soldiers and the militants, including his brother Henry.

“The amount of weapons stolen are enough to hold not just Port Harcourt hostage but the whole of Nigeria,” the report notes. “Should criminals decide to spread out to major cities of Nigeria with just a few of these weapons and cause chaos simultaneously, it is doubtful if we will not have a national state of emergency situation in our hands.”

The weapons include rocket launchers, UMGs, GPMGs, G3 and Mark IV rifles, Barretta rifles, AK 47 and bagfuls of ammunitions.

The investigation was triggered when a certain Private Zamanu Adamu who, while on guard at the ordinance depot in Jaji, Kaduna, in September 2007, reported that the seal on the depot had been broken and that some items had been removed.

In its investigation, the army intelligence corps interrogated Sunny Okah, Major Akubo and the soldiers who confessed to the crime. The investigators unearthed the fact that there was an earlier arms sale at 1 Ordinance Base in Kaduna. Major Akubo is named as the prime suspect in that deal.

Our investigation revealed that, rather than get to the bottom of the case and bring perpetrators to book, both the SSS and the Directorate of Military Intelligence engaged in official cover-ups. Azazi, Are and Adekhegba spearheaded the campaign to bury the report.

“It’s true that the SSS launched an investigation quite all right, and even got the army authorities to release the suspects – Major Akubo and the soldiers – to it for interrogation,” said an army source. He added that “the investigation was soon truncated and the suspects, including Sunny Okah, were released even after they confessed to the crime.”

Our sources disclosed that then Major Akubo was taken in by the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), but was interrogated by a one-man panel appointed by Adekhegba. He was curiously released to return to his unit based on instructions from Azazi, even when his involvement in the scandalous deals had been firmly established.

At the time the arms thefts began, Azazi was General Officer Commanding the 1st Division in Kaduna. Investigators suggested that he handled the case shabbily in order to cover up his “command failure”.

“Is there a likelihood that this case was shabbily handled in order that Gen Azazi’s failures may remain undiscovered?” the report asked. “Did Gen Azazi use course mate influence on the then DG of DSS Lt Col LKK Are (rtd) to ensure that the case remain suppressed? Otherwise, why did it take until now when Are is no longer in office for the DSS to reopen the case and be willing to cooperate fully.” The report added, “Gen Azazi obviously has more questions to answer regarding his roles in this case.”


The report manipulated Ibori and Alamieyeseigha as financiers of the arms acquisition. Both men, who were state governors at the time, allegedly provided the funds with which Sunny Okah went on his arms shopping spree.

“These two politicians are mentioned as financiers of the arms acquisition project,” the report said. “Certainly, they would not have provided money without knowing the source of the weapons. Simply put, a breach of security of this magnitude was deliberately masterminded by state governors.”

Major Akubo is reported to have confessed to investigators that Sunny Okah approached him in 2004 stating that Ibori and Alamieyeseigha had given him a job to source for arms on their behalf. Okah asked for Akubo’s help to deliver on the job.

Ibori recently appealed the ruling by a court in Dubai that he should be extradited to the UK to face charges for money laundering. Meanwhile Alamieyeseigha, a convict who served a short jail term for corrupt enrichment, is championing the President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential election bid.

The report recommended that Azazi and Adekhegba be sanctioned and that the indicted governors should be further investigated.

The recommendations were not implemented. In fact, shortly before the report was written, Azazi forwarded the name of the former DMI chief for a national award while Sunny Okah was set free. Sunny Okah has since been recruited by the Jonathan administration and is being used to press the case against his brothers, Charles and Henry, over the October 1 Abuja bomb blast.

A few weeks ago, Jonathan appointed Azazi as his new national security adviser. Despite his indictment in the report, Azazi enjoyed one of the fastest career elevations among Nigerian military officers. Between mid-2006 and mid-2007, he rose from Major General to Lieutenant General to General.

However, on August 20, 2008, months after the report was written, Umaru Yar’Adua fired Azazi as Chief of Defense Staff and retired him from the Army. Two sources have told Saharareporters that the arms deal report of 2007 influenced Yar’Adua’s decision to fire Azazi from his post. One of those sources revealed that then Vice President Jonathan was aware of the reason for Azazi’s firing. “By asking General Azazi to come out of retirement and become his NSA, is President Jonathan out to register his disagreement with the judgment of the late president?” asked the source.

However, Major Akubo and the soldiers have since been court-martialed, dismissed from the army and are serving jail terms.

The investigative report wondered how widespread the theft and sale of military arms thefts were, not just in the army but in the navy, the air force, the police, and other armed agencies. It also raised questions about the role of politicians as financiers of the deals, and wondered about how the arms shopping affected national security.

After an overview of the many issues raised by the arms deals and the highly placed individuals involved in them, the investigative report formulated a conspiracy theory. It suggested that there was a link between the aborted Orkar coup in 1989, the 2001 Ikeja Cantonment arms depot explosions, the arms theft at 1BODK, and the militancy in the Niger Delta.

“It is believed that there is an orchestrated plan by the Niger Deltans to secede from Nigeria which is being played out over the years with every opportunity they have,” the report concluded.

http://www.saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/uploads/Azazi.pdf
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by 13volts(m): 6:49am On Jan 02, 2013
No wonder they killed him, Yakowa was just a Collateral damage

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by miiraaj: 7:32am On Jan 02, 2013
When we say there is a conspiracy,some shallow minded people will start shouting ojoro!
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by miiraaj: 7:37am On Jan 02, 2013
“It is believed that there is an orchestrated plan by the Niger Deltans to secede from Nigeria which is being played out over the years with every opportunity they have,” the report concluded.
Many actions and statements of GEJ and his SS people point to this fact.

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by cockyjay: 7:42am On Jan 02, 2013
undecided is dis really true?
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by Bratking(m): 7:46am On Jan 02, 2013
Who fckin cares!

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by donigspain(m): 7:46am On Jan 02, 2013
I would've commented if the man is still alive.

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by Nobody: 7:46am On Jan 02, 2013
Which kyn yeye Gala and La Casera news be this?

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by heed101(m): 7:48am On Jan 02, 2013
Morning pap and bean ball on my mind. I aint got time for shyte

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by Bolan123: 7:51am On Jan 02, 2013
Rubbish old report dug out to stop Azazi by the northern born to rule propagandist. Who doesn't know

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by Pringozie02(m): 7:52am On Jan 02, 2013
Y all dis talk no come out wn d guy dey alive so dat e go fit defend himself na wn e don die dem come dey talk nonsense

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by nitrogen(m): 7:56am On Jan 02, 2013
Not confirmed, so no comment until it is confirmed.

But if true, then Yakowa was quite unfortunate.

And perhaps Azazi's death was to cover-up some things.

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by Omexonomy: 7:57am On Jan 02, 2013
PortHarcourtBoy: Which kyn yeye Gala and La Casera news be this?
no mind them jelousy go kill all of them bear palour and ogogoro drinkers talk.

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by donfatosa(m): 7:57am On Jan 02, 2013
What is the need of this news after Azazi's death.

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by donfatosa(m): 7:58am On Jan 02, 2013
What is the need of this news after Azazi's death?
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by dridowu: 7:58am On Jan 02, 2013
I respect d dead, so no komet
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by Bolan123: 7:59am On Jan 02, 2013
Rubbish old report dug out to stop Azazi by the northern born to rule propagandist. Who doesn't know that Boko Haram is being sponsored and armed by sympathetic officers from north who are also members of BH.

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by GARRIx7(m): 8:03am On Jan 02, 2013
Baba God I thank you for bringing me to the front page.

Accept the glory, praise, honour and adoration. May your holy name be praised to time indefinite.

Thanks also to the MODs (Afam4eva-wine & OAM419)

Happy new year y'all
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by Feedmemore(f): 8:04am On Jan 02, 2013
I don't believe this crap.

Why was the story not brought up when Azazi was alive? Why is it now that he is dead that the story is coming out? Can the dead defend itself? No! So, it's just a wast of time.

1 Like

Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by graychuks(m): 8:10am On Jan 02, 2013
This is a sorry case crying over spilt milk mtchew....*continues sleeping*
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by GARRIx7(m): 8:13am On Jan 02, 2013
The evil that men do lives after them

If Azazi was really involved in arms supply, then this is my prayer for him:

"May the blood of all who were killed directly or indirectly by the arms you supplied haunt you even in ur grave..

May the tears and suffering which were caused by the Niger Delta crisis follow you even as you remain restless in ur grave....

.. And let the congregation of believers say a big AMEN.... cool

1 Like

Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by otokx(m): 8:16am On Jan 02, 2013
why was it not brought up when the man was alive?
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by Nobody: 8:20am On Jan 02, 2013
The evil men do!

Azazi, Alamko, GEJ and Odili all funded militants for their own gains.

What's the difference between that and Boko Haram?

Some gullible idiots here already saying it's a Northern agenda. The reports have been there before Azazi's death and it was one the reasons for Azazi's retirement.

Live violently and die violently.

Remember the weapons stolen were from Kaduna so I will see it as no coincidence that Azazi and Kaduna's former governor died.

I'm glad our SSS are beginning to use their brains and taking out threats to national unity and not allowing it to reach military which could cause civil war.

5 Likes

Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by slimfit1(m): 8:22am On Jan 02, 2013
Its about time people go there separate ways good plan south south. But still feel sorry for u people you can't handle yourselves thou.
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by flow1759: 8:22am On Jan 02, 2013
But Azazi is dead na, if only d dead can speak. But those names mentioned should b interogated if guilty they should send dem behind bars (how possible is dat 4 dis naija) FULLSTOP
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by Toktee(m): 8:29am On Jan 02, 2013
Bolan123: Rubbish old report dug out to stop Azazi by the northern born to rule propagandist. Who doesn't know
Stop him from doing what?

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Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by U09ce: 8:54am On Jan 02, 2013
Bolan123: Rubbish old report dug out to stop Azazi by the northern born to rule propagandist. Who doesn't know
Mr man, why r u bringing 4wd dis accusation.Since Azazi is already dead,what do u mean by 'the northerners r trying to stop him'
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by rajiade: 9:03am On Jan 02, 2013
Either dead or alive, this report should be investigated, Azazi could still be prosecuted along with others involved if found guilty.

Our sentiment can never make us grow in Nigeria. Our attitude of leave the Message and attack the Messenger would continue to drag us down as a nation. If investigations as regard atrocities carried out by Abacha and his accomplice could still be carried out after his death till date, then why not this.

If the report holds true, all those still leaving should be heavily punished. And if it is false, those behind the report should be prosecuted for misleading the Nation. This is the only way we can progress, along side fight corruption.

I still doubt Nigeria would ever get better till d last day, instead our problems would only take new dimension with time, because the cause of our problem is an aggregation of our individual inborn bad traits which seem to be heredity. Every Nigerian has a trait of Corruption, Falsehood, Bigotry, Sentiment, Gullibility, Fanaticism, Extremism, Wickedness and Greed.
And by nature, we have grown to learn to manage and endure our problems/condition, that's why we are never ready for a change, especially if it would affect Us, Our relative, Kins Men, Tribes Men, Brother in Religion or Party Member.

And No matter how much we pray, God would only laugh at us as fools, because we are hypocrites of the highest order!

8 Likes

Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by dj187: 9:06am On Jan 02, 2013
Crappy story, I'm 4rm d niger delta & hv witnessed d influx of weapons tru d porous niger delta creeks on barges & tug boats which in turn d suppliers fill d hollow part of d barges wit crude oil & then disappear even d nigerian navy is aware of dis, besides all nigeria army weapons are inscripted wit codes.

1 Like

Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by homerac7: 9:14am On Jan 02, 2013
Azazi was implicated in the weapons loss from Kaduna ammo dump. This is no more news at all. it happened right under his watch. All those crying "northern conspiracy" should do a google search and read d news on that event. he was "retired" because of his complicity by late president Yar'Adua.
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by ignis: 9:22am On Jan 02, 2013
13volts: No wonder they killed him, Yakowa was just a Collateral damage
Who killed him?
Re: Did Azazi Supply Arms To Niger Delta Militants? by dj187: 9:25am On Jan 02, 2013
If sahara reporters are dat good with intelligence why don't dey help nigeria 2 figure out where d boko haram leader is hiding.

2 Likes

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