Nigerian Army Captures Wanted Soldier Accused of Supplying Military Uniforms to Terrorists

• The Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, days after declaring him wanted over “his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.”

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 uniforms and other military accoutrements to terrorists and criminal elements.

The suspect was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group, Operation HADIN KAI, at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, while he was allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

Confirming the development 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 arrest followed credible human intelligence and forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks supporting terrorism.

According to him, Private Yusuf, identified as 23NA/84/1939 of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026.

“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,” Goni said.

He further disclosed that preliminary investigations showed the soldier had 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.

“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,” the statement added.

Capt. Goni said the arrest highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring accountability among its personnel.

“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,” he stated.

He stressed that there would be no safe haven for anyone supporting terrorism or criminality, regardless of status.

“The military remains resolute in upholding professionalism, accountability and the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of ongoing counter-insurgency operations,” Goni said.

He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as vital to restoring lasting peace and security.

PUNCH Online 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.”

In an earlier statement signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Maj. Oluwatope Aluko, the Army said preliminary investigations linked the soldier to the alleged illegal activities after he absconded from his unit.

“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.