admin
The Nigerian Army has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Amutu, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.
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.
In a statement on Thursday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Maj Oluwatope Aluko, the Army said preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026.
The statement said the soldier had since been declared wanted by the appropriate military authorities, adding that intensive efforts were underway to locate and apprehend him to face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant military laws.
“The Headquarters 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,” the statement read.
It 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.
“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 will be subjected to the full weight of military and civil laws,” the statement said.
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, urging anyone with useful information to report to the nearest military formation or any security agency.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets, noting that it would continue to strengthen internal control measures, thoroughly investigate allegations of misconduct and ensure that personnel found culpable are held fully accountable.
The latest development comes amid heightened concerns over the misuse of military uniforms by terrorists and other criminal groups, a trend security experts say enables attackers to evade detection and gain the confidence of unsuspecting civilians during operations.
