By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) 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.
According to military authorities, 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 Army has since launched efforts to locate and apprehend him for further investigation and possible disciplinary action in line with military regulations.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko, said the suspect had been declared wanted by the appropriate military authorities while intensive efforts were ongoing to track him down and bring him to justice.
Aluko stressed that the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct, indiscipline and any act capable of undermining the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security.
She 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 controlled military items would face the full weight of both military and civil laws.
The Army spokesperson also appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies in arresting the wanted soldier. She urged anyone with useful information to report immediately to the nearest military formation or any security agency.
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to accountability and professionalism, Aluko said the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps 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.
The development comes amid sustained efforts by the Nigerian military to prevent unauthorized access to military uniforms and equipment, which security experts have identified as a major tool often exploited by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups to deceive members of the public and evade detection during operations.
