Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army private who was declared wanted over allegations of supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal groups operating in the North-East.
The suspect, Private Mohammed Yusuf, service number 23NA/84/1939, attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory in Lagos, was apprehended in Maiduguri, Borno State, on July 25 while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni.
According to the military, Yusuf had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23 following allegations that he was involved in the illegal supply of military items to terrorists.
Capt. Goni said troops of the 7 Provost Group arrested the suspect at about 6:30 p.m. at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri after acting on credible intelligence regarding his movements.
Preliminary findings indicated that Yusuf allegedly absconded from his unit on July 7 before relocating to Maiduguri, where he reportedly hid in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.
The military stated that the successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and reflects the Nigerian Army’s determination to ensure that any personnel whose actions threaten military discipline or national security are brought to justice.
“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 identify other individuals who may have been involved,” the statement said.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating criminal elements and collaborators supporting terrorism, regardless of their rank or status.
The task force stressed that no individual involved in aiding terrorism or other criminal activities would be shielded from prosecution, adding that the military remains committed to professionalism, accountability and maintaining the highest standards of integrity in its ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The military also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, noting that public cooperation remains critical to sustaining efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
