By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier who had been declared wanted over allegations of supplying military uniforms and other accoutrements to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The development was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post shared on his verified X handle, where he provided details of the operation that led to the suspect’s arrest.
According to Makama, the suspect, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf with service number 23NA/84/1939, is attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos. He was reportedly apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, by troops of the 7 Provost Group under the leadership of the Acting Commander.
Preliminary findings indicated that Yusuf allegedly abandoned his duty post before he was declared wanted and travelled to Maiduguri, Borno State, on July 7, where he reportedly went into hiding.
Investigators also alleged that he was accommodated in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area by another soldier, Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops reportedly placed the suspect under continuous surveillance before intercepting him at Jidari Bus Stop. He was said to have been attempting to flee towards the Cameroon border when he was arrested.
Makama stated that the suspect is currently being held by the 7 Provost Group for further investigation into allegations of supplying military uniforms and other sensitive items to terrorist elements. Authorities are also probing whether other individuals were involved in the alleged operation.
The security analyst described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts by the military to expose and dismantle insider networks suspected of supporting terrorist activities in the North-East.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the alleged offence and identify any additional collaborators.
