The Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, who was recently declared wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
The suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group, Operation HADIN KAI, at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Sunday, the Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said the operation followed credible human intelligence.
According to him, Yusuf had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23, 2026, over allegations of illegally supplying military uniforms and other accoutrements to terrorists and criminal elements.
Goni disclosed that preliminary investigations showed the soldier absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri, where he allegedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.
“The suspect was apprehended at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon,” the Army spokesman stated.
He said the arrest highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commitment to accountability, professionalism and discipline within its ranks.
“The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his activities and identify other individuals who may have been involved,” Goni added.
He stressed that there would be no safe haven for anyone supporting terrorism or criminality, regardless of their status, noting that the military remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in its ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The Army also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, describing public cooperation as vital to restoring lasting peace and security in the North-East.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA had earlier reported that the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps declared Private Yusuf wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.