Troops involved in Operation Hadin Kai have captured a Nigerian soldier who was wanted for allegedly providing military uniforms and other gear to terrorists in the North-East.
The suspect, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, identified by Service Number 23NA/84/1939, was detained by the 7 Provost Group around 6:30 p.m. on July 25 at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State. He was reportedly trying to escape into Cameroon.
Military sources revealed that Amutu, previously stationed at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility in Lagos, was marked wanted by the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps due to his suspected involvement in the illegal distribution of military uniforms and other sensitive items to terrorists and criminal elements. After deserting his unit on June 3, 2026, a thorough manhunt began.
Intelligence reports indicated that Amutu traveled to Maiduguri on July 7 and went into hiding. Investigators found he was being sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by another soldier, Private Baba Kamal Sale, identified with Service Number 25NA/89/12687, from the Corps of Intelligence in Dikwa.
Based on solid intelligence, troops from the 7 Provost Group maintained close surveillance on the suspect before capturing him as he attempted to flee to Cameroon.
Military authorities call this arrest a significant step forward in efforts to break insider networks that support terrorist groups. The suspect is now in military custody, undergoing further investigation to uncover the full scope of his alleged activities and identify any possible accomplices within or outside the Armed Forces.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its strict policy against misconduct, emphasizing that any personnel caught aiding terrorists or diverting military resources will face severe disciplinary and legal action. Authorities also urge the public to continue providing reliable intelligence to bolster ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the country.
