The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of a soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, who was recently declared wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorist and other criminal elements.
The Army, in a statement on Sunday, said the suspect was arrested by troops of 7 Provost Group, Operation Hadin Kai, at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said preliminary investigations revealed that Private Yusuf absconded from his unit on 7 July 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri, where he reportedly went into hiding.
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 terrorist and other criminal elements, in a sustained effort to dismantle criminal support network.”
According to Capt. Goni, the suspect, 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on 25 July 2026, by troops of the 7 Provost Group following credible human intelligence.
He explained that Private Yusuf 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,” Capt. Goni stated.
According to Capt. Goni, preliminary investigations showed that Private Yusuf absconded from his unit and later relocated to Maiduguri.
“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,” Capt. Goni added.
Investigation ongoing
The Army spokesman said the arrest demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holding its personnel accountable for actions that undermine military ethics, discipline and national security.
He disclosed that Private Yusuf 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 any accomplices.
Army reaffirms commitment
Capt. Goni stressed that there is no safe haven for anyone supporting terrorism or any form of criminality, regardless of status.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The Army also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains vital to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East theatre.
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