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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Wanted soldier arrested in Borno while fleeing to Cameroon

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • A Nigerian soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, was arrested for allegedly supplying military equipment to terrorists.
  • Yusuf was apprehended in Maiduguri while attempting to flee to Cameroon.
  • The arrest highlights the army's commitment to accountability and dismantling criminal support networks.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Private Mohammed Yusuf, a soldier declared wanted for his alleged involvement in supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements. Troops of the 7 Provost Group, Operation HADIN KAI, apprehended Yusuf at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri as he attempted to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier recently declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements, in a sustained effort to dismantle criminal support networks.

— Capt. Muhammed GoniAnnouncing the arrest of Private Mohammed Yusuf.

According to Capt. Muhammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer for the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, preliminary investigations indicate that Yusuf absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026. He subsequently relocated to Maiduguri and went into hiding with the assistance of an associate.

He had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on 23 July 2026 over the same allegations. The suspect was apprehended at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

— Capt. Muhammed GoniDetailing the circumstances of Yusuf's arrest.

The 23-year-old soldier, identified by his service number 23NA/84/1939, was declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23, 2026, for the same allegations. His arrest at approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, followed credible human intelligence.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on 7 July 2026 and subsequently relocated to Maiduguri, where he reportedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.

— Capt. Muhammed GoniExplaining Yusuf's movements after leaving his unit.

Goni emphasized that the arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the Nigerian Army's dedication to holding personnel accountable for actions that compromise military ethics, discipline, and national security. The suspect is currently in custody, with further investigations underway to determine the full extent of his activities and identify any accomplices. The Army reiterated its resolve to uphold professionalism and accountability in counter-insurgency operations, stating there is no safe haven for individuals supporting terrorism or criminality.

The arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermine military ethics, discipline and national security.

— Capt. Muhammed GoniHighlighting the significance of the arrest.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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