The Nigerian Army has launched a manhunt for one of its personnel, Mohammed Amutu, who has been accused of aiding terrorism through supplying military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.
According to the Army, Amutu, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, absconded from his unit in an attempt to evade prosecution after investigation linked him to selling the uniforms to the insurgents, prompting military authorities declaring him wanted to enable his arrest.
In a statement issued on Thursday from the military corps headquarters and signed by the Assistant Director and Public Relations Officer, Oluwatope Dorcas, the suspect would face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in line with military laws upon arrest.
“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 read.
It added that 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 would face the full weight of military and civil laws.
The Army appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier, urging anyone with useful information to report to the nearest military formation or any security agency.
It also reassured Nigerians of its commitment to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets, adding that internal control measures would continue to be strengthened to prevent similar incidents.