Nigerian Army Arrests Soldier Declared Wanted for ‘supplying military Gear to Terrorists’

The Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier who was declared wanted over allegations that he supplied military accoutrements to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The suspect, identified as Mohammad Yusuf, serves with the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory in Lagos. He was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, during an intelligence-led operation carried out by troops of the 7 Provost Group.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni, disclosed that Yusuf had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23 over the same allegations.

According to the military, intelligence reports indicated that the soldier was attempting to flee to neighbouring Cameroon when he was intercepted by troops.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Yusuf allegedly abandoned his duty post on July 7 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.

He is currently being held by the 7 Provost Group as investigators work to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify anyone who may have aided or worked with him.

The Army said the arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven operations and underscores its determination to hold any personnel accountable for actions capable of undermining military discipline, operational integrity and national security.

Operation HADIN KAI stressed that no individual, regardless of rank or status, would be shielded from justice if found supporting terrorism or other criminal activities.

The military also appealed to Nigerians to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains vital to ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and restore lasting peace across the country.