Army arrests wanted soldier over alleged supply of military kits to terrorists

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier declared wanted over his alleged involvement in supplying military accoutrements to terrorist groups and other criminal elements operating in the North-East.

The suspect, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf, attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was apprehended at the weekend by troops of the 7 Provost Group following actionable human intelligence.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the soldier had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23, 2026, over allegations of illegally supplying military equipment to terrorists and other criminal networks.

The statement said Yusuf, with the force’s enlistment number 23NA/84/1939, 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 suspect 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-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal support networks and demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermine military discipline, professionalism, and national security.

Captain Goni disclosed that the suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of his alleged activities and identify other individuals who may have been involved.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed that there would be no safe haven for anyone found supporting terrorism or other forms of criminality, regardless of status or affiliation.

The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to ongoing counter-insurgency operations and efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.