By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier earlier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
The arrest is part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal support networks aiding insurgency in the North-East.
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 Friday, July 25, 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group, following credible human intelligence.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, the soldier had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23, 2026 over the same allegations.
The statement said the suspect was apprehended at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
Investigation revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on July 7, 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 military said the arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermine military ethics, discipline and national security.
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.
The military reiterated that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or any form of criminality, irrespective of their status.
The military remains resolute in upholding professionalism, accountability and the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as their cooperation remains critical to the restoration of lasting peace and security across the theatre.
