Military uniform diversion probe deepens as Army declares soldier wanted

The Nigerian Army has launched a manhunt for one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, over allegations that he illegally supplied military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal groups, raising fresh concerns about the diversion of sensitive military equipment and the security risks posed by insider threats.

The soldier, who was attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory under the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC), has been declared wanted after allegedly abandoning his duty post while under investigation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko, disclosed that preliminary investigations linked the soldier to the unauthorized sale and distribution of military uniforms—items considered highly sensitive because they can be used by criminals to impersonate security personnel and evade detection during attacks.

According to the Army, Private Amutu absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026, shortly after the allegations emerged. His disappearance prompted military authorities to formally declare him wanted as security agencies intensify efforts to track him down and recover any diverted military materials.

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Military authorities said the case is being treated as a serious breach of operational security, noting that the unauthorized circulation of military uniforms has become a recurring concern in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that criminal groups dressed in military camouflage have carried out attacks on communities, mounted illegal roadblocks and deceived unsuspecting civilians by posing as genuine security personnel. Such incidents have complicated military operations and undermined public confidence in legitimate security forces.

The Army said the ongoing investigation would determine the full scope of the alleged network behind the illegal supply of military kits and whether other individuals may have been involved in the diversion of controlled military assets.

Reaffirming its disciplinary standards, the Nigerian Army stressed that it operates a zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, corruption and any act capable of undermining national security or the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

The statement warned that any military personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals or other non-state actors through the unauthorized sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements or other restricted equipment would face severe sanctions under both military regulations and applicable civil laws.

The Army also appealed to members of the public to assist ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier. It urged anyone with relevant intelligence to report to the nearest military formation or any recognised security agency.

While assuring Nigerians that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated, the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps reiterated its commitment to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets, emphasizing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The development comes amid intensified efforts by the military to tighten internal controls, curb the diversion of defence materials and prevent criminal groups from gaining access to equipment capable of facilitating attacks or impersonating security operatives.