The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of a soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, who was recently declared wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the North-East.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, Yusuf was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group under Operation HADIN KAI at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, while allegedly attempting to escape to the Republic of Cameroon.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Muhammed Goni, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had deserted his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri, where he reportedly went into hiding to evade arrest.
The Army said intelligence gathered during the investigation indicated that Yusuf was planning to cross Nigeria’s border into Cameroon when he was intercepted by security operatives.
Military authorities described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle networks involved in the illegal diversion of military equipment to insurgents and other criminal groups. They reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining discipline within its ranks and ensuring that any personnel found aiding criminal activities are brought to justice.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is expected to face further investigation and prosecution in accordance with military and national laws. The Army also assured Nigerians that efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the alleged arms supply network are ongoing.
