The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of a soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, who was recently declared wanted for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.

The Army, in a statement on Sunday, said Yusuf was arrested 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.

The Acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, and subsequently relocated 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 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 arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, by troops of the 7 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 said 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 emphasised 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 called on 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 theatre.

PUNCH Online had reported that the Army Ordnance Corps has declared Private Yusuf wanted over “his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.”

The Corps, in a statement on Thursday signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Maj. Oluwatope Aluko, saying preliminary investigations linked the soldier to the alleged illegal activities after he absconded from his unit.

“Consequently, he has been declared wanted by the appropriate military authorities, while intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him to face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant military laws,” the statement said. (PUNCH)

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