BREAKING: Nigerian Army Declares Soldier Wanted for Selling Military Uniforms to Terrorists

• The Nigerian Army has declared one of its soldier wanted after he allegedly supplied military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.

• The military says the suspect absconded from his unit and warned that anyone found aiding criminals through the illegal sale of military equipment will face the full weight of the law.

The Nigerian Army has declared one of its personnel wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements, describing the offence as a serious threat to national security.

The suspect, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory before he allegedly absconded from his duty post.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC), Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko.

According to the Army, preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier abandoned his unit on June 3, 2026, after allegedly engaging in the unauthorized sale and distribution of military uniforms and other controlled military items to terrorists and criminal groups.

As a result, military authorities have officially declared him wanted and launched an intensive manhunt to ensure he is arrested and brought to justice.

The Army said the suspect would face a comprehensive investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with existing military laws if apprehended.

“The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the soldier, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, absconded from his unit on 3 June 2026. Consequently, he has been declared wanted by the appropriate military authorities, while intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him to face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant military laws,” the statement read.

Army Warns Personnel Against Aiding Terrorists

The Nigerian Army used the opportunity to reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy against indiscipline, corruption and any activity capable of compromising national security or the integrity of the Armed Forces.

The military warned that any serving personnel found assisting terrorists, bandits, kidnappers or other criminal groups through the illegal sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled military equipment would face severe sanctions under both military and civil laws.

According to the Army, military uniforms are classified as controlled items because they are capable of being used by criminals to impersonate security personnel, infiltrate communities, deceive civilians and carry out attacks without raising suspicion.

“The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps wishes to state unequivocally that it has zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline, or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security.

“Any personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals or other non-state actors through the unauthorized sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled items will be subjected to the full weight of military and civil laws,” the Army said.

Public Asked to Help Locate Wanted Soldier

The Army appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts to arrest the wanted soldier by providing useful and credible information that could lead to his capture.

It urged anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to immediately report to the nearest military formation or any security agency.

“The Corps therefore appeals to members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier. Such information should be reported immediately to the nearest military formation or any security agency,” the statement added.

The Army also assured Nigerians that it remains committed to protecting military assets and strengthening internal control measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

It pledged that every allegation of misconduct involving military personnel would be thoroughly investigated and anyone found guilty would be held accountable.

Growing Concerns Over Insider Collaboration

The latest development comes amid long-standing concerns over alleged sabotage and insider collaboration within Nigeria’s security agencies.

For years, security experts and citizens have alleged that some military personnel leak operational information, sell military equipment or secretly collaborate with terrorist groups, thereby undermining counter-terrorism operations.

Although the military has repeatedly maintained that such cases involve only a few bad actors and not the institution as a whole, several officers have been arrested and prosecuted in the past over alleged links to criminal networks.

Recently, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, acknowledged that it was possible for terrorist groups to have collaborators within Nigeria’s security agencies.

Speaking during The Link Up Podcast hosted by EchoRoom, Bwala said infiltration by criminal elements is a challenge experienced by security institutions around the world.

Responding to a question on whether terrorists had infiltrated the Nigerian military and police, Bwala said such a possibility could not be completely ruled out.

“This will happen anywhere in the world. Snowden was a contractor to the US national security. These are elements that can happen, and why I didn’t want to talk much on that is because there are measures we’re taking and we don’t want people to know,” he said.

He also recalled that some military officers and police personnel had previously been arrested over alleged links to terrorist activities in Nigeria.

Why the Allegation Raises Serious Security Concerns

Security experts say the illegal sale of military uniforms poses a significant threat to national security because it allows terrorists and other criminal groups to disguise themselves as genuine soldiers.

Such impersonation can enable criminals to establish fake checkpoints, gain access to restricted areas, deceive unsuspecting civilians and launch attacks while appearing to be legitimate security personnel.

The use of genuine military uniforms by terrorists can also make it more difficult for citizens to distinguish between actual soldiers and criminals, thereby eroding public confidence in the Armed Forces.

In addition, insider collaboration can expose sensitive military operations, troop movements and intelligence, increasing the risk of ambushes and attacks on security personnel.

The Nigerian Army has reiterated that it remains committed to rooting out corrupt elements within its ranks and strengthening accountability mechanisms to safeguard national security.

Military authorities say investigations into the activities of the wanted soldier are ongoing and have assured Nigerians that no individual found to have compromised the integrity of the Armed Forces will be spared, regardless of rank or position.