Wanted Soldier Nabbed Over Terrorist Uniform Supply

The suspect, Private Mohammed Yusuf (service number 23NA/84/1939), attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory in Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday by troops of the 7 Provost Group at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State.

A Nigerian Army soldier declared wanted for allegedly supplying military uniforms and other accoutrements to terrorists has been arrested while reportedly attempting to flee to Cameroon, in what the military described as a major breakthrough in its internal counter-intelligence efforts.

The suspect, Private Mohammed Yusuf (service number 23NA/84/1939), attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory in Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday by troops of the 7 Provost Group at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the arrest followed credible human intelligence that the soldier was trying to escape to the Republic of Cameroon.

According to the military, Yusuf had earlier absconded from his unit and relocated to the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area, where he allegedly went into hiding with the assistance of an associate before his arrest.

The Army had declared him wanted on July 23 after preliminary investigations allegedly linked him to the unauthorized sale and distribution of military uniforms and other controlled military items to terrorists and criminal elements.

The military said the suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of his alleged activities and identify possible accomplices.

Operation HADIN KAI said the arrest demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to accountability and discipline within its ranks.

"There is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or any form of criminality, irrespective of their status," the statement said, adding that the military remains committed to professionalism and safeguarding national security.

The Army also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

The arrest comes days after the Nigerian Army warned that any personnel involved in the illegal diversion or sale of military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled items to terrorists or criminal groups would face the full weight of military and civil law.