Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier who was declared wanted over his alleged involvement in supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
The suspect, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf (23NA/84/1939) of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25 at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to the military, Yusuf had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23 over allegations of illegally supplying military equipment to terrorists and other criminal groups.
His arrest followed credible human intelligence received by troops of the 7 Provost Group, who tracked and intercepted him before he could leave the country.
Military authorities said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri.
He was said to have gone into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.
The military described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal support networks aiding terrorist activities in the North-East.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify other collaborators.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the Nigerian Army’s commitment to accountability.
He said the military would continue to hold personnel accountable for any actions capable of undermining military ethics, discipline and national security.
The command reiterated that there would be no safe haven for individuals found supporting terrorism or other forms of criminality, regardless of their status.
Operation HADIN KAI also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains vital to ongoing counter-insurgency operations and the restoration of lasting peace across the North-East.
