Army Confirms Arrest of Wanted Soldier Over Sale of Uniforms to Terrorists

The Nigerian Army has arrested Private Mohammed Yusuf, who was declared wanted over allegations of illegally supplying military uniforms to terrorists and criminal groups.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.

Goni said the suspect was arrested at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier recently declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorist and other criminal elements, in a sustained effort to dismantle criminal support networks.

“The suspect, 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on 25 July 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group, following credible human intelligence. He had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on 23 July 2026 over the same allegations. The suspect was apprehended at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on 7 July 2026 and subsequently relocated to Maiduguri, where he reportedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate. His arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermine military ethics, discipline and national security,” the statement read.

Goni added that the suspect is currently in the custody of 7 Provost Group, where further investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of his activities and identify other individuals who may have been involved.

“Operation HADIN KAI reiterates that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or any form of criminality, irrespective of their status. The military remains resolute in upholding professionalism, accountability and the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as their cooperation remains critical to the restoration of lasting peace and security across the theatre,” the statement added.

The Army had earlier disclosed that the soldier, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, absconded from his unit on 3 June 2026 and was subsequently declared wanted.