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

The Nigerian Army has declared a soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over allegations linked to the unauthorised sale of military uniforms and other military accoutrements to terrorists and criminal elements.

Amutu, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, reportedly deserted his unit on June 3, 2026, prompting the Army to commence efforts to trace his whereabouts.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman of the Army Ordnance Corps Headquarters, Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko.

According to Aluko, preliminary investigations indicated that the soldier had absconded from his unit, after which he was declared wanted.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the soldier absconded from his unit on June 3. Consequently, he has been declared wanted, while intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him to face investigation and appropriate disciplinary action,” she said.

The Army did not, in the statement, provide details of the specific quantity or type of military uniforms allegedly sold by the soldier, nor did it disclose the identities of any suspected buyers or recipients.

The allegations, however, come against the backdrop of longstanding security concerns over the unauthorised circulation of military uniforms and other security-related accoutrements in Nigeria.

Security agencies have repeatedly raised concerns about criminals and terrorist groups allegedly using military-style clothing to disguise their identities, gain access to communities and checkpoints, or create the impression that they are legitimate security personnel.

Such disguises can make it more difficult for members of the public to distinguish between genuine security operatives and armed criminal groups, particularly during attacks, kidnappings and other violent operations.

The Army Ordnance Corps said it maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and any action capable of undermining military operations or threatening national security.

Aluko warned that anyone found to have aided terrorists or other criminal elements through the unauthorised sale, diversion or distribution of military items would face the full weight of the law.

She also appealed to members of the public with credible information about Amutu's whereabouts to report such information to the nearest military formation or security agency.

The Army assured the public that the Ordnance Corps would continue to strengthen its internal control mechanisms to prevent the diversion or unauthorised circulation of military uniforms and other military assets.

The search for Amutu is expected to continue as the Army works to locate him and subject him to investigation over the allegations.

If apprehended, the soldier could also face disciplinary proceedings under applicable military law if the allegations against him are established.

Desertion is treated as a serious offence under military regulations, while any proven collaboration with terrorist or other non-state armed groups could attract further legal and disciplinary consequences.

The Army's action underscores the security implications of unauthorised access to military uniforms and equipment, particularly at a time when Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of armed criminality across several parts of the country.

For the military, securing uniforms and other official accoutrements is not merely an internal disciplinary matter. It is also a critical component of operational security, as the misuse of military identity and appearance can potentially be exploited by criminal groups to deceive civilians, evade detection and undermine public confidence in legitimate security operations.