The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of a soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, who was recently declared wanted for his suspected involvement in the unlawful sale of military equipment to terrorists and other criminal groups.
Yusuf was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group, Operation HADIN KAI, at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon. According to Capt. Muhammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, and relocated to Maiduguri.
The statement read, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier recently declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements in a sustained effort to dismantle criminal support networks.”
According to Goni, the suspect, 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, by troops of the 7th Provost Group following credible human intelligence.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
The Army spokesman noted that the arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermine military ethics, discipline, and national security.
“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 said.
Goni stressed that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or any form of criminality, irrespective of their status.
“The military remains resolute in upholding professionalism, accountability, and the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of ongoing counter-insurgency operations,” he said.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, saying their cooperation remains critical to the restoration of lasting peace and security across the theater.
The 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.”
