The Nigerian Army has declared one of its soldiers, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over allegations that he illegally sold and supplied military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal groups.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko, the Army said the soldier had been serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory before he absconded from his duty post on June 3, 2026.
According to the military, preliminary investigations linked the soldier to the unauthorized distribution of military uniforms and other controlled items. Authorities said he has been officially declared wanted, while security operatives are making efforts to locate and arrest him for further investigation and possible disciplinary action under military laws.
The Nigerian Army reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, indiscipline and any act capable of undermining national security or the integrity of the armed forces. It warned that any personnel found assisting terrorists or criminal elements through the illegal sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, equipment or other restricted items would face both military and civil prosecution.
The Army also appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could help security agencies track down the wanted soldier, urging anyone with credible intelligence to report to the nearest military formation or relevant security agency.
The military further assured Nigerians of its commitment to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets, adding that all allegations of misconduct would continue to be thoroughly investigated.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has acknowledged the possibility of terrorist collaborators operating within security agencies. Speaking during a recent podcast interview, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said no country is completely immune to insider threats.
He noted that some military personnel and police officers had previously been arrested over alleged links to terrorist activities, stressing that the government is taking steps to address the challenge while keeping certain security measures confidential.
Security experts have long warned that the illegal circulation of military uniforms poses serious risks, as terrorists can disguise themselves as legitimate security personnel, evade security checks, transport weapons undetected and carry out attacks. Such incidents could also weaken trust within the armed forces and discourage prospective recruits from joining the military.
