The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Private Mohammed Yusuf, a soldier previously declared wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military uniforms and other military accoutrements to terrorists and criminal groups.
The suspect was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group, Operation HADIN KAI, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon through Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Muhammed Goni, said Yusuf was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, following credible human intelligence.
According to Goni, the suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, had been declared wanted on July 23, 2026, over allegations of illegally supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Yusuf allegedly absconded from 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.
“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,” Goni said.
The Army noted that the arrest highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reaffirmed its commitment to holding military personnel accountable for any actions that compromise discipline, professionalism and national security.
Goni disclosed that the suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where investigators are working to determine the full extent of the alleged offences and identify any accomplices who may have participated in the illegal activities.
The military stressed that there would be no safe haven for anyone supporting terrorism or criminality, regardless of their status. It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to strengthen ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Private Yusuf was declared wanted last week by the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, which said preliminary investigations linked him to the alleged illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists after he absconded from his unit. The Army had vowed to apprehend him and ensure he faced a thorough investigation and disciplinary action in line with military regulations.
