A Nigerian soldier, Private Mohammed Yusuf, was apprehended in Maiduguri on Saturday evening for allegedly supplying military uniforms to terrorist and criminal groups, according to the Nigerian army.

Yusuf, who had deserted his unit earlier this month and was previously stationed at an army equipment factory, was reportedly attempting to cross into Cameroon when arrested. He had been hiding in Maiduguri with assistance from an associate.

Concerns Over Military Collusion

The arrest has intensified suspicions about collusion between some military personnel and armed groups responsible for widespread insecurity in Nigeria. Various militant Islamist factions, separatists, and kidnappers often disguise themselves in military attire, complicating efforts to combat them.

Security analyst and retired Major Bashir Galma noted that insider tip-offs may facilitate attacks, stating that plans sometimes leak to groups like Boko Haram or criminal gangs.

Security Challenges and Kidnappings

  • Between January 2024 and April 2025, over 3,000 kidnappings and 3,580 killings by armed groups were recorded by Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission.
  • Militant groups including Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, as well as bandits, have been linked to a surge in mass abductions and attacks on schools.
  • From April 2014 to May 2026, 26 major school attacks resulted in at least 2,416 students being kidnapped, according to the International Centre for Investigative Reporting.

Allegations and Military Response

In April 2025, Borno state governor Babagana Zulum accused informants and collaborators within the military and political circles of aiding Boko Haram. Subsequently, three soldiers received life sentences for arms trafficking and aiding enemies.

Experts suggest low military pay and ideological sympathies contribute to corruption and collusion. A serving soldier confirmed that such incidents are often quietly handled within the military.

Victims’ Accounts Highlight Possible Collusion

Some kidnapping survivors have reported suspicious interactions between armed groups and security personnel, including shared handshakes and helicopter visits near captivity sites, fueling beliefs of high-level cooperation.

Security expert Abdullahi Abdullahi emphasized that civilian informants also play a role in sustaining armed groups.

Ongoing Investigations

Private Yusuf remains in custody as investigations continue to uncover the scope of his alleged involvement and whether others within the military are complicit. The military has yet to comment publicly on the case.