By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
The suspect, Private Mohammed Yusuf, identified by service number 23NA/84/1939 and attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, by troops of the 7 Provost Group following credible intelligence.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the soldier had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23 over the same allegations.
The statement disclosed that Yusuf was apprehended at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit 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.
The military said the arrest highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enforcing discipline and accountability among its personnel.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify other persons who may have been involved.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated that there would be no safe haven for individuals supporting terrorism or other criminal activities, regardless of their status.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as vital to ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the North-East.