The Nigerian Army has arrested Private Mohammed Yusuf, a soldier who was recently declared wanted over allegations of illegally supplying military uniforms and other military accoutrements to terrorists and criminal elements.
The suspect was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group of Operation HADIN KAI at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, while he was allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Sunday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said the operation followed credible human intelligence.
According to Goni, Private Yusuf, a member of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, had been declared wanted on July 23, 2026, following allegations that he was involved in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms and other military equipment to terrorists and other criminal elements.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier allegedly deserted his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating 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 suspect is currently in the custody of the 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,” Goni said.
He noted that the arrest highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining discipline, professionalism, and accountability within its ranks.
Goni stressed that there is no safe haven for anyone supporting terrorism or criminal activities, regardless of their status, adding that the military remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in its ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as vital to restoring lasting peace and security in the North-East.
The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps had earlier declared Yusuf wanted after preliminary investigations linked him to the alleged illegal activities following his disappearance from his unit. Military authorities said he will face a full investigation and any disciplinary measures deemed appropriate under existing military laws.
