Fugitive military personnel captured in Borno during attempted escape to Cameroon

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the capture of Private Mohammed Yusuf, a soldier who was recently declared wanted for his alleged role in supplying military gear to terrorists and other criminal elements.

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This development was announced by the Army in a statement issued on Sunday, revealing that Yusuf was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group, Operation HADIN KAI, at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, as he attempted to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

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According to Capt. Muhammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, preliminary investigations indicate that Yusuf abandoned his unit on July 7, 2026, and then relocated to Maiduguri, where he went into hiding.

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The statement from the Army noted that troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier who was recently declared wanted for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements, as part of efforts to dismantle criminal support networks.

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Private Mohammed Yusuf, with the army number 23NA/84/1939, was arrested on July 25, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m. by troops of the 7 Provost Group, following credible human intelligence, according to Goni.

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Yusuf had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23, 2026, over allegations of supplying military gear to terrorists and other criminal elements, and was caught at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri while trying to escape to Cameroon.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that Yusuf absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, and then relocated to Maiduguri, where he hid in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the help of an associate, Goni added.

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The arrest highlights 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.

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The suspect is currently being held by the 7 Provost Group, where further investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of his activities and identify other individuals who may have been involved, according to Goni.

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Goni emphasized that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or any form of criminality, regardless of their status, and the military remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and the highest standards of integrity.

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The military spokesperson urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as their cooperation is crucial to restoring lasting peace and security across the region.

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It was previously reported that the Army Ordnance Corps had declared Private Yusuf wanted due to his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.

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The Corps had issued a statement on Thursday, signed by Maj. Oluwatope Aluko, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, stating that preliminary investigations linked the soldier to the alleged illegal activities after he abandoned his unit.

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Consequently, Yusuf was declared wanted by the appropriate military authorities, and efforts were underway to locate and apprehend him to face a full investigation and disciplinary action in accordance with military laws, according to the statement.