Army Apprehends Wanted Soldier Fleeing to Cameroon in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the apprehension of Private Mohammed Yusuf, a soldier previously declared wanted for his alleged involvement in unlawfully providing military gear to terrorist groups and other criminal elements. Yusuf was taken into custody by troops from the 7 Provost Group, operating under Operation HADIN KAI, at the Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, as he reportedly attempted to escape into the Republic of Cameroon.

According to Captain Muhammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer for the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, initial inquiries revealed that Private Yusuf deserted his unit on July 7, 2026. Subsequently, he relocated to Maiduguri, where he allegedly went into hiding. The Army's statement on Sunday emphasized its continuous efforts to dismantle criminal support networks, stating, “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.”

Captain Goni further detailed that Private Mohammed Yusuf, with service number 23NA/84/1939, from the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, was arrested around 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026. This arrest followed actionable human intelligence. He had been officially declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23, 2026, over the same accusations. The soldier was caught at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while making an alleged attempt to cross into Cameroon.

Investigations also indicated that after absconding from his unit, the suspect sought refuge in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the help of an associate. The Army spokesperson highlighted that this arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the Nigerian Army's unwavering resolve to hold its personnel accountable for actions that compromise military ethics, discipline, and national security.

“The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of his activities and identify other individuals who may have been involved,” Goni stated. He reiterated that there is no sanctuary for those who support terrorism or any form of criminality, regardless of their status. The military remains steadfast in upholding professionalism, accountability, and the highest standards of integrity in its ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Goni urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation is vital for restoring lasting peace and security across the region. PUNCH Online had previously reported that the Army Ordnance Corps declared Private Yusuf wanted for his “alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.” A statement issued on Thursday by Major Oluwatope Aluko, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, indicated that preliminary investigations linked the soldier to these illegal activities after he went AWOL. The statement concluded that he had been declared wanted, and intensive efforts were underway to locate and apprehend him for full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action under military law.