Wanted Soldier Arrested While Allegedly Fleeing to Cameroon Over Terror Links–Army

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have arrested a serving soldier who was recently declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements operating in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

The suspect, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, was apprehended by troops of the 7 Provost Group of Operation Hadin Kai at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, who said the operation followed credible human intelligence.

According to the military, Yusuf was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026, two days after he was officially declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over allegations of illegally supplying military uniforms and other military items to terrorists and criminal groups.

Captain Goni disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated the suspect had absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri, where he allegedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.

He said the arrest forms part of the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle criminal support networks aiding insurgents in the Northeast.

“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,” Goni said.

He added that the suspect remains in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where investigators are working to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify any accomplices.

The military reiterated that no individual, regardless of rank or status, would be shielded from justice if found to be supporting terrorism or other criminal activities.

Captain Goni also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains vital to ongoing counter-insurgency efforts and the restoration of lasting peace across the Northeast.

The arrest comes days after the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps publicly declared Private Yusuf wanted. In a statement issued on Thursday, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Corps Headquarters, Major Oluwatope Aluko, said preliminary investigations linked the soldier to the alleged illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements after he absconded from his unit.

The Army had stated that intensive efforts were underway to apprehend the soldier to face a comprehensive investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in line with existing military laws.

The latest development highlights the Nigerian Army’s renewed determination to strengthen internal accountability while intensifying efforts to disrupt logistics and supply chains that sustain insurgent activities in the Northeast.

  Sokoto Boosts Security with New Armoured Vehicles

…….As Defence Minister General Musa Hails Initiative

The Federal Government has commended the Sokoto State Government for strengthening security operations through the acquisition of a new fleet of armoured vehicles and other security equipment, describing the move as a major step towards improving Nigeria’s internal security.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), officially commissioned the security assets in Sokoto on Wednesday, where he praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for prioritising the safety of residents through strategic investments in security infrastructure.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Defence, Captain Moses Yare, the minister said the procurement of the equipment demonstrates the state’s commitment to supporting ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.

General Musa noted that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment, stressing that investments in security are critical to protecting lives, property and economic activities.

He said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places security at the centre of national development.

The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to restore peace across the country, adding that confronting evolving security challenges requires stronger collaboration among the federal, state and local governments, as well as security agencies and communities.

According to him, the newly acquired armoured vehicles and security equipment will enhance the operational effectiveness of security personnel by improving troop protection, increasing mobility and enabling faster responses to security threats.

He, however, stressed that sophisticated equipment alone cannot guarantee success without professionalism, discipline and effective coordination among security agencies.

General Musa also commended the Sokoto State Government for complementing military operations with community-based intelligence gathering, describing public cooperation and timely information as indispensable tools in addressing insecurity.

He urged security personnel deployed to use the new assets responsibly and professionally and in accordance with the rule of law while calling on them to justify the public investment through dedicated service and sustained efforts to eliminate criminal activities.

The defence minister further reaffirmed the commitment of the armed forces to leveraging modern technology and improving leverage modern technology and improveersonnel welfare to strengthen national security and create an environment where Nigerians can live and conduct their lawful businesses without fear.

Military Pressure Forces Top ISWAP Commanders to Surrender as 76 Terrorists Lay Down Arms

By Auwal Ahmad

Fresh military offensives against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East have forced several senior commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to surrender as troops intensify operations across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

The development comes amid sustained counter-terrorism operations by Operation HADIN KAI in the Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region, where troops have continued to dismantle terrorist enclaves and disrupt the activities of insurgent groups.

In a statement issued on Monday in Maiduguri, the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the recent wave of surrenders was the result of relentless military pressure backed by credible intelligence.

He disclosed that a fresh batch of high-ranking ISWAP commanders abandoned their hideouts and voluntarily surrendered to troops operating within the theatre.

“The troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to record significant operational successes in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists through sustained operations backed by credible, timely and actionable intelligence,” Goni said.

According to him, the surrendered commanders, regarded as key figures within the terrorist network, are currently in a secure military facility undergoing profiling, debriefing and other procedures in line with established operational protocols.

The military said the latest defections underscore the growing impact of its sustained offensive, which has weakened terrorist command structures, disrupted logistics networks and restricted the movement of insurgents across the North-East.

Captain Goni added that the continuous operations have not only degraded the combat capability of the terrorist groups but have also eroded confidence among their fighters and leadership.

He revealed that within the past week alone, 76 terrorist foot soldiers, alongside some members of their families, surrendered to military troops.

The military attributed the growing number of defections to its comprehensive counter-insurgency strategy, which combines precision combat operations, intelligence-driven missions and coordinated efforts among security agencies.

“These operational gains demonstrate the effectiveness of the Nigerian military’s comprehensive counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy, combining precision combat operations, intelligence-led engagements and coordinated joint efforts with partners,” the statement said.

The military reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to eliminating terrorism in the North-East, stressing that pressure on the remaining insurgents would continue until they are either neutralised or compelled to surrender.

The latest breakthrough provides another boost to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the region after years of insurgency.