Nigerian Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Illegal Supply of Military Uniforms to Terrorists
The Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over allegations that he was involved in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements, in what military authorities describe as a serious breach of discipline and a potential threat to national security.
The announcement, contained in an official statement issued on Thursday, July 23, 2026, revealed that the soldier had absconded from his duty post at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory earlier this year and is now being sought by military authorities for investigation.
According to the statement signed by Major Oluwatopé Dorcas Aluko, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, preliminary investigations indicate that Private Amutu left his unit without authorization on June 3, 2026.
Military authorities said the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, coupled with intelligence gathered during preliminary investigations, prompted the decision to officially declare him wanted while efforts continue to track him down.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the soldier, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, absconded from his unit on 3 June 2026. Consequently, he has been declared wanted by the appropriate military authorities, while intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him to face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant military laws,” the statement read.
The allegations against the soldier come amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime, where the unauthorized possession of military uniforms has repeatedly been identified by security experts as a tactic used by criminal groups to deceive civilians, evade security checkpoints and carry out attacks.
Security agencies have, on several occasions, warned that the illegal circulation of military uniforms and equipment poses a significant threat because it enables criminals to impersonate security personnel, undermining public trust and complicating security operations.
Although the Nigerian Army did not disclose the quantity of uniforms allegedly involved or identify the specific groups believed to have received them, the military described the allegations as extremely serious and deserving of comprehensive investigation.
Authorities emphasized that the declaration of the soldier as wanted does not replace due process, adding that investigations will continue and that appropriate disciplinary and legal procedures will be followed should he be apprehended
The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps stressed that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, indiscipline and any activity capable of compromising military operations or national security.
According to the Corps, no personnel regardless of rank or appointment will be protected if found to have collaborated with terrorists, criminal gangs or any unauthorized individuals through the diversion or illegal distribution of military materials.
The statement reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to accountability and professionalism, noting that anyone found guilty of illegally supplying military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled items would face the full weight of both military and civil laws.
Military authorities also reiterated that safeguarding military equipment remains critical to maintaining operational effectiveness and protecting the integrity of the Armed Forces
The Nigerian Army has appealed to Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to locate the wanted soldier by providing credible information that may lead to his arrest.
Members of the public were advised to report any useful information to the nearest military formation or any recognized security agency.
The Army emphasized that public cooperation remains an important component of national security, particularly in cases involving suspected breaches that could affect military operations.
The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps assured Nigerians that it remains committed to strengthening internal control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized diversion of military assets.
It also pledged that every allegation of misconduct involving its personnel would continue to be investigated thoroughly, with appropriate sanctions imposed on anyone found culpable in accordance with existing military regulations and applicable laws.
The Corps said it remains focused on protecting military assets, preserving institutional integrity and supporting national efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime across the country.
The statement was signed by Major Oluwatopé Dorcas Aluko, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, and dated July 23, 2026.
At the time of publication, the allegations remain those of the Nigerian Army. The declared wanted soldier has not publicly responded to the claims, and the matter remains subject to investigation.
