Troops arrest wanted soldier over supply of military gear to terrorists

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier declared wanted for allegedly supplying military accoutrements to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

Security sources said the suspect, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was apprehended on July 25 by troops of the 7 Provost Group during an intelligence-led operation in Borno State.

According to the sources, the soldier allegedly absconded from his unit before travelling to Maiduguri on July 7, where he reportedly went into hiding after being declared wanted by the Army.

Preliminary investigations indicated that he was allegedly sheltered in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area by another soldier, Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops placed the suspect under surveillance before intercepting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to neighbouring Cameroon.

The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation over the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist groups, as well as the possible involvement of other collaborators.

Military sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle insider networks allegedly supporting terrorist activities, adding that investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplices.