Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a soldier wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military uniforms to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The soldier was arrested while allegedly trying to flee to Cameroon.
Sources in Maiduguri said the suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was apprehended around 6:30 p.m. on July 25 by troops of the 7 Provost Group, led by the acting commander.
Preliminary investigations showed that Yusuf absconded from his unit before he was declared wanted by the army. He travelled to Maiduguri on July 7 and allegedly went into hiding.
Investigators also found that another soldier, Private Baba Kamal Sale, 25NA/89/12687, of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa, allegedly sheltered him at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed Yusuf under 24-hour surveillance before arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop as he allegedly attempted to flee to Cameroon.
The suspect remains in the custody of the 7 Provost Group and is being investigated over the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.
Sources described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups.
Investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of his activities and identify any accomplices.
