Army declares soldier wanted over alleged sale of military uniforms to terrorists

The Nigerian Army has declared Mohammed Amutu, one of its personnel, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.

The announcement comes days after the Presidency warned that terrorists and criminal networks could be infiltrating security agencies, urging stronger internal vigilance to prevent compromised personnel from undermining national security efforts.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Oluwatope Aluko, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, disclosed that preliminary investigations linked the soldier to the alleged diversion of military uniforms intended for authorised use.

According to the Army, Private Amutu was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory before he absconded from his duty post on June 3, 2026.

The statement said the soldier has since been officially declared wanted by the appropriate military authorities, while efforts have been intensified to track him down and bring him into custody for a comprehensive investigation.

The Army stated that once apprehended, the suspect would face disciplinary procedures in line with extant military laws and other applicable legal provisions.

“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 said.

It stressed that the institution remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, warning that any officer or soldier found collaborating with terrorists or criminal groups would face severe consequences.

The Army specifically cautioned personnel against the unauthorised sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements and other controlled military items, describing such actions as grave offences capable of endangering military operations and civilian lives.

“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 added.

The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps appealed to members of the public to assist ongoing investigations by volunteering credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier.

It urged anyone with useful intelligence regarding the whereabouts of Private Amutu to report promptly to the nearest military formation or any other security agency.

The Corps also reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and institutional integrity, assuring Nigerians that it would continue strengthening internal control mechanisms to prevent the diversion of military assets.

It said allegations of misconduct involving its personnel would continue to be thoroughly investigated and that anyone found culpable would be held fully accountable in accordance with the law.

The latest case comes against the backdrop of increasing security concerns over the widespread misuse of military uniforms by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups across the country.

The Federal Government and security agencies have in recent months intensified efforts to curb the proliferation of military uniforms outside authorised channels, warning that individuals found in unlawful possession of such items risk prosecution.