Trending 
The Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier who was declared wanted over allegations of supplying military gear to terrorists and other criminal groups.
The soldier, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf, was arrested on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno State, two days after the Nigerian Army declared him wanted over the alleged illegal diversion of military equipment.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Acting Military Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation by troops of the 7 Provost Group.
“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 7 Provost Group, following credible human intelligence,” the statement said.
Yusuf had been declared wanted on July 23 over his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorist and other criminal elements.
According to Goni, he was intercepted at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri while trying to leave Nigeria.
“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,” Goni 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,” the statement said.
The military described the arrest as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and its determination to ensure accountability within its ranks.
Goni added that the suspect remains in military custody as investigators work to determine the full scope of the alleged network behind the diversion of military equipment.
“The suspect is currently in the custody of 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,” Goni said.
The military also warned that it would continue pursuing anyone found to be supporting insurgents or criminal organisations, regardless of their position.
It added that the armed forces remain resolute in upholding professionalism, accountability and the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The military urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with actionable intelligence.
The arrest comes as the Nigerian military intensifies efforts to dismantle logistics and supply networks believed to sustain insurgent groups operating in the North East, where Operation HADIN KAI has led counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
WANTED SOLDIER ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED SUPPLY OF MILITARY ACCOUTREMENTS TO TERRORISTS
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… pic.twitter.com/VIqMJFA7qk
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 26, 2026
