Terrorist supply: Wanted soldier arrested in Borno fleeing to Cameroon
July 27, 2026 1:17 am
Private Mohammed Yusuf. Photo: Nigerian Army
By Isah Ojo
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of a soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, recently declared wanted for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorist and other criminal elements.
The Army, in a statement on Sunday, said he was arrested by troops of 7 Provost Group, Operation Hadin Kai, at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
The acting Military Information Officer, Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Capt Muhammed Goni, said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, and subsequently relocated to Maiduguri, where he reportedly went into hiding.
The statement read: “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a soldier recently declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorist and other criminal elements, in a sustained effort to dismantle criminal support network.”
According to Goni, the suspect, 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 pm on 25 July 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group, following credible human intelligence.
“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,” he stated.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on 7 July 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,” he added.
The Army spokesman said his arrest underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermined 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,” he noted.
Goni emphasised that there was no safe haven for individuals who supported 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,” he stressed.
He called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, saying their cooperation remains critical to the restoration of lasting peace and security across the theatre.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]