Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements, in what the military described as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal support networks.
The suspect, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf (23NA/84/1939) of 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.
Military authorities disclosed that the soldier had been declared wanted on July 23, 2026, over allegations of illegally supplying military equipment to terrorist groups. He was apprehended at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect 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 military said the arrest highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reinforces the Nigerian Army’s resolve to hold personnel accountable for acts capable of undermining military discipline, ethics and national security.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigations are underway to determine the full scope of his alleged activities and identify any accomplices involved in the illicit network.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and accountability, Operation HADIN KAI declared that there would be no safe haven for individuals aiding terrorism or other criminal activities, regardless of their status.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing counter-insurgency operations and the restoration of lasting peace and security across the North-East.
