Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier who was declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
The suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2026, at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the arrest was carried out by troops of the 7 Provost Group following credible human intelligence.
The Army had declared Private Yusuf wanted on July 23, 2026, over the same allegations. Captain Goni said the suspect was arrested while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, and relocated to Maiduguri. 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,_” the statement said.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of his activities and to identify other individuals who may have been involved.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or any form of criminality, irrespective of their status. The military also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East. 
