Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists

Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists

The Nigerian Army has declared Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu wanted for allegedly selling military uniforms to terrorists and criminal groups, raising urgent concerns about insider threats and national security vulnerabilities.

The Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) announced the development in a statement on Thursday, July 23, 2026, signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko. The military authorities said preliminary investigations linked Amutu to the unauthorised distribution of military uniforms before he reportedly disappeared from his duty post. According to the Army, Amutu was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory before he allegedly absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026. His disappearance triggered further investigations, which uncovered allegations connecting him to the illegal movement and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements. Military authorities have since declared him wanted, and intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him so that he can face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with existing military laws. “The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements,” the statement read.

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Emphasising its zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps warned that any personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals, or other non-state actors through the unauthorised sale, diversion, or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements, or other controlled items would face the full weight of both military and civil laws. “The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps wishes to state unequivocally that it has zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline, or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security,” Aluko stated. The Corps said it is committed to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of military assets. It assured Nigerians that it would continue to strengthen internal control measures and ensure that every allegation of misconduct is thoroughly investigated, while those found culpable are held fully accountable.

Security experts say the unauthorised sale of military uniforms poses a critical security risk, as it allows terrorist groups to disguise themselves as soldiers during attacks, making it difficult for civilians to differentiate between genuine troops and impostors. The development comes barely days after the Presidency warned of the possible infiltration of security agencies by terrorists and criminal elements, raising fresh concerns over insider threats within the nation’s security architecture. Military uniforms and related items are considered controlled materials whose unauthorised distribution poses serious security risks, especially when they fall into the hands of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups. Security agencies have repeatedly expressed concerns over the use of military uniforms by criminal elements to deceive members of the public, evade security checks, and carry out attacks while impersonating security personnel.

The Corps appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier. Anyone with useful information regarding Amutu’s whereabouts has been urged to report to the nearest military formation or any security agency for immediate action. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of military assets. It reiterated that allegations of misconduct involving its personnel would not be ignored and would be subjected to transparent investigation.

Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists