The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Private Mohammed Yusuf, a soldier who was recently declared wanted over allegations of illegally supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Army said the suspect was arrested by troops of the 7 Provost Group, Operation HADIN KAI, at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Muhammed Goni, said the arrest followed credible human intelligence and forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks supporting insurgent groups in the North-East.
According to Goni, Private Mohammed Yusuf (service number 23NA/84/1939) of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, two days after he was officially declared wanted by the Army.
“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 investigations, according to the Army, indicate that the soldier allegedly absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, 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.
The Army stated that the suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify anyone who may have collaborated with him.
Captain Goni said the arrest highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and demonstrates the Army’s commitment to ensuring accountability among its personnel.
He added that the military remains determined to uphold professionalism, discipline and integrity, stressing that no individual found supporting terrorism or criminality will be shielded, regardless of their status.
The Army also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains essential in the fight against insurgency and other security threats.
The development comes days after the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps declared Private Mohammed Yusuf wanted over allegations that he was involved in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms and other military accoutrements to terrorists and criminal groups. The allegations remain under investigation, and no court has determined his guilt.
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