By Tunji Braimoh,Abuja

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

The suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Yusuf Muhammad, was reportedly apprehended while attempting to flee to neighbouring Cameroon following an intelligence-led operation by military authorities.

According to security sources, the soldier, attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was intercepted at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, by personnel of the 7 Provost Group in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Investigations revealed that the soldier had earlier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, where he allegedly went into hiding after being declared wanted by the military.

Further intelligence reports indicated that the suspect was allegedly being sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by another serving soldier, identified as Private Baba Kamal Sale, a member of the Corps of Intelligence based in Dikwa.

Acting on credible intelligence, military investigators placed the suspect under round-the-clock surveillance before successfully intercepting him at Jidari Bus Stop as he allegedly attempted to escape across the border into Cameroon.

Military authorities disclosed that the suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group and is undergoing intensive interrogation over allegations that he supplied military uniforms and other sensitive items to terrorist elements operating in the region.

Security sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks suspected of aiding insurgent groups through the illegal diversion of military equipment and logistics.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the activities of collaborators within the security system and the dangers posed by the unauthorized circulation of military uniforms, which have frequently been used by criminal and terrorist groups to deceive civilians and launch attacks.

Investigators are also examining the extent of the suspect’s alleged involvement and whether other military personnel or civilian collaborators were connected to the illicit operation.

Military authorities have assured that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of military and criminal justice procedures in accordance with existing laws.

The arrest underscores the Nigerian Army’s determination to strengthen internal accountability mechanisms and prevent security breaches that could undermine ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

Operation Hadin Kai has intensified efforts in recent months to identify and neutralise both external threats and internal collaborators, as part of broader measures aimed at degrading terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace across the region.

The military has urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking criminal elements and safeguarding national security.