Operation HADIN KAI Arrests Wanted Soldier Over Alleged Supply of Military Equipment to Terrorists

Suspect was reportedly intercepted in Maiduguri while allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon as investigations continue.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier who had been declared wanted over allegations of supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the suspect, Private Mohammed Yusuf (Service Number: 23NA/84/1939) of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The statement said the soldier had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23, 2026, following allegations that he was involved in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal groups. Troops of the 7 Provost Group reportedly arrested him based on credible human intelligence while he was allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

Preliminary investigations, according to the military, indicate that the suspect absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri. He was reportedly hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate before his arrest.

The military 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 any accomplices.

Operation HADIN KAI stated that the arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to professionalism, discipline, accountability, and national security.

The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains essential to ongoing counter-insurgency operations and efforts to restore lasting peace in the North-East.