The Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, who was recently declared wanted over allegations of supplying military uniforms and other accoutrements to terrorists and criminal groups.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Muhammed Goni, said Yusuf was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, while allegedly trying to flee to neighbouring Cameroon.
According to the Army, the suspect had been declared wanted on July 23, 2026, following intelligence linking him to the illegal sale and distribution of military equipment to insurgents and other criminal elements.
Captain Goni disclosed that preliminary investigations showed Yusuf absconded from his unit on July 7 before relocating to Maiduguri, where he reportedly hid in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.
The Army said the arrest followed credible intelligence and forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks supporting terrorism in the North-East.
Yusuf is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where investigators are working to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify any accomplices.
The military described the arrest as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, professionalism and accountability among its personnel.
Captain Goni stressed that no individual involved in supporting terrorism or other criminal activities would be shielded from justice, regardless of status. He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as vital to ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The arrest comes days after the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps officially declared Private Yusuf wanted, stating that preliminary investigations linked him to the alleged illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal groups after he absconded from his unit. The Army had vowed to apprehend him and ensure he faced investigation and disciplinary action in line with military regulations.
