The arrest of a Nigerian soldier accused of supplying military uniforms to terrorists and criminal gangs has renewed concerns over possible insider collaboration within the country’s security forces, as authorities continue to battle insurgency, banditry and mass kidnappings.
The Nigerian Army announced that Private Mohammed Yusuf was arrested on Saturday evening at a bus stop in Maiduguri, Borno State, while allegedly attempting to flee into neighbouring Cameroon.
According to the army’s spokesman in the North-East, Lt. Col. Mohammed Goni, Yusuf had earlier deserted his unit this month before relocating to Maiduguri, where he reportedly went into hiding with the assistance of an associate.
The army said Yusuf had previously served at a military equipment factory and is accused of supplying military uniforms to terrorist and criminal groups. He remains in military custody while investigations continue.
The soldier has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Growing fears of insider collaboration
The arrest has reignited long-standing public concerns that some members of the security forces may be aiding criminal groups responsible for years of violence across Nigeria.
For more than a decade, Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), armed bandit groups and other criminal networks have carried out attacks on communities, abducted civilians for ransom and frequently disguised themselves in military uniforms during operations.
Security analyst and retired army major Bashir Galma said it would not be surprising if some security personnel were collaborating with armed groups.
“It is not unreasonable to believe some of these groups are being assisted by military personnel,” he told the BBC.
Galma added that intelligence about planned military operations has sometimes been leaked before attacks.
“I know there have been instances where plans are made for an attack on a location and the information finds its way to either Boko Haram or another criminal gang,” he said.
Thousands killed and kidnapped
Nigeria’s security crisis continues to exact a heavy toll.
Data from the National Human Rights Commission shows that between January 2024 and April 2025, at least 3,000 kidnappings and 3,580 killings were recorded in attacks linked to armed groups.
Bandit gangs operating mainly in the North-West and militant groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have been blamed for much of the violence.
School abductions also remain a major concern. According to the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), between April 2014 and May 2026, there were 26 major attacks on schools, resulting in the abduction of at least 2,416 students.
Authorities estimate that ransom payments to kidnappers amount to millions of dollars annually.
Previous allegations against security personnel
The latest arrest follows repeated allegations that some members of the military and political establishment have aided insurgents.
In April 2025, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum alleged that Boko Haram collaborators were operating within Nigeria’s armed forces, political circles and local communities.
“What we need to do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly,” Zulum said during a security meeting.
Months later, a military court sentenced three soldiers to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of stealing arms and ammunition, unlawfully dealing in military weapons and aiding the enemy.
Why some soldiers allegedly aid criminals
Galma attributed some cases of collaboration to poor welfare and ideological leanings.
According to him, inadequate pay can push some personnel into corruption, while others may secretly sympathise with extremist groups.
A serving soldier, who spoke anonymously to the BBC, acknowledged that there had been instances of military personnel being caught working with criminal groups.
“There have been instances of soldiers caught dealing with the other side, but such matters are often hushed and dealt with internally,” the soldier said.
Victims recount suspicious encounters
Several kidnapping survivors interviewed by the BBC also expressed suspicion that some security personnel may have links with criminal gangs.
One victim, whose family reportedly paid a ₦57 million ransom before his release, recalled being dropped off near security personnel.
“They dropped us off in one location and there were security personnel who they shook hands and laughed with,” he said.
Although he admitted having no proof, he suspected the officers may have benefited from the ransom payment.
Farmer Yahuza Isa, who was abducted in Zamfara State, questioned why authorities had failed to dismantle criminal hideouts.
“I myself know where these criminals are. So why not deal with them completely?” he asked.
Another survivor, held captive for 30 days in late 2024, said he repeatedly heard helicopters landing close to the forest camp where he was detained.
“The first time I heard it I was expecting that the Nigerian Air Force had come to rescue us,” he said.
“But we could hear the helicopter leaving afterwards.”
The repeated helicopter movements, he said, made him suspect the kidnappers had assistance from influential figures, although he provided no evidence to support the claim.
Experts call for stronger intelligence
Security expert Abdullahi Abdullahi argued that criminal groups receive support not only from compromised security personnel but also from civilian informants.
“And that is why the issue is continuing after all these years,” he said.
Analysts say the arrest of Private Yusuf demonstrates that the military is willing to investigate alleged misconduct within its ranks, but many believe lasting progress will depend on rooting out collaborators, strengthening intelligence gathering and ensuring greater accountability.
Private Yusuf remains in custody as military authorities continue investigations to determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged network.
