The Nigerian Army has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over allegations that he illegally sold military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal groups.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps Headquarters, Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko, disclosed that Amutu, who was attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, abandoned his duty post on June 3.
According to Aluko, preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier absconded from his unit on the stated date. She added that he has since been declared wanted, while security agencies have intensified efforts to track him down.
The Army said Amutu would be subjected to a full investigation and face appropriate disciplinary measures if apprehended.
The military reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline within its ranks and ensuring that any personnel found involved in criminal activities are held accountable.
The illegal circulation of military uniforms and accoutrements has remained a persistent security concern in Nigeria, as insurgents, bandits and other armed groups have repeatedly been found disguising themselves in military-style attire to infiltrate communities, evade detection at checkpoints or carry out attacks under the guise of legitimate security operations.
Aluko said the Corps has zero tolerance for misconduct or acts capable of compromising the Army’s operational effectiveness or national security, adding that anyone found aiding terrorists through the unauthorised sale or diversion of military items would face the full weight of the law. Under military law, desertion and collaboration with non-state armed actors are treated as serious offences that could attract court martial proceedings if the suspect is apprehended and the allegations are substantiated.
She appealed to the public to report credible information on the soldier’s whereabouts to the nearest military formation or security agency, assuring Nigerians that the Ordnance Corps would continue to strengthen internal control measures to prevent further leakages of military assets to criminal elements.
