Troops Arrest Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Supply of Military Equipment to Terrorists

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a Nigerian soldier declared wanted by the Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military equipment to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

Military sources said the suspect, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf (service number 23NA/84/1939) of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25 by troops of the 7 Provost Group led by its acting commander.

According to the sources, Yusuf had earlier absconded from his unit before travelling to Maiduguri on July 7, where he allegedly went into hiding after being declared wanted by the Nigerian Army.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the soldier was allegedly sheltered in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, by Private Baba Kamal Sale (service number 25NA/89/12687) of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed the suspect under round-the-clock surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to neighbouring Cameroon.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation over allegations of supplying military equipment to terrorists and the possible involvement of other collaborators.

Military sources described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks believed to be aiding terrorist groups in the North-East.

Investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the suspect’s alleged activities and identify any other individuals who may have been involved.