The Nigerian Army has declared one of its personnel wanted for allegedly supplying military uniforms and other accoutrements to terrorists and criminal elements operating across the country.
Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, is accused of diverting military kits to non-state actors in what the Army described as a serious breach of national security.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Major Oluwatope Aluko, the military high command said preliminary investigations linked Amutu to the illegal activities before he fled from his unit.
According to the statement, the suspect absconded from his duty post on 3 June 2026 and has been on the run since.
“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,” Aluko said.
The Army Ordnance Corps, which is responsible for the production, storage, and distribution of military uniforms and equipment, stressed that it maintains zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline, or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness and integrity of the Nigerian Army.
It warned that any personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals, or other non-state actors through unauthorised sale, diversion, or distribution of controlled military items would face the full weight of military and civil laws.
The development has raised fresh concerns about internal sabotage within the armed forces, particularly as the military continues its counter-insurgency operations in the North-East and other troubled regions. The diversion of military uniforms to terrorists poses a significant threat, as it enables criminal elements to impersonate security personnel and carry out attacks with greater ease.
The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier.
Anyone with useful information is urged to report to the nearest military formation or any security agency.
The Army reassured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of military assets, adding that it would continue to strengthen internal control measures while ensuring that all allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring that every allegation of misconduct is thoroughly investigated, and any personnel found culpable will be held fully accountable,” the statement added.
The military has not disclosed the quantity of uniforms diverted or the specific terrorist groups believed to have received the supplies.
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