A soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over alleged dealings with terrorists has been arrested by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
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 July 25 by troops of the 7 Provost Group following credible human intelligence.
Private Yusuf had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23 over allegations of illegally supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
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 suspect was apprehended at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri while allegedly attempting to flee to neighbouring Cameroon.
Goni said preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier absconded from his unit on July 7 before relocating to Maiduguri, where he allegedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.
“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 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,” Goni said.
He said the arrest underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the Nigerian Army’s commitment to discipline, accountability and national security.
“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. His 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,” he stated.
Capt. Goni said 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 persons who may have been involved.
He reiterated that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to dismantling all networks supporting terrorism and other forms of criminality in the North-East.
“Operation HADIN KAI reiterates 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,” Goni said.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
“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,” he added.
