Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier who was recently declared wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
The suspect, Private Mohammed Yusuf (service number 23NA/84/1939) of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2026, by troops of the 7 Provost Group following credible human intelligence.
According to the military, Yusuf had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23, 2026, over allegations of supplying military equipment to terrorist groups and other criminal networks.
He was arrested at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier 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.
The military said the arrest highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and reinforces the Nigerian Army’s determination to hold personnel accountable for actions capable of undermining military discipline, ethics and national security.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify other individuals who may have been involved.
Reaffirming its commitment to the fight against insurgency, Operation HADIN KAI said there would be no safe haven for anyone aiding terrorism or any form of criminality, regardless of status.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East theatre of operations.
The statement was signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri.
