Army Arrests Wanted Soldier Over Alleged Supply of Military Gear to Terrorists

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a serving Nigerian Army soldier who was declared wanted over alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.

The suspect, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf, with service number 23NA/84/1939, is attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory in Lagos. He was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, by troops of the 7 Provost Group following credible intelligence.

According to the military, Yusuf was declared wanted on July 23 over allegations linked to the illegal supply of military accoutrements to criminal elements. He was arrested at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier allegedly absconded from his unit on July 7 and later 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.

The Nigerian Army said the arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence driven operations and its commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions capable of undermining military discipline, ethics and national security.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group as investigations continue to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify other individuals who may have been involved.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed that there would be no safe haven for individuals supporting terrorism or criminality, regardless of their status.

The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter insurgency operations and efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the North East.