Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested four suspected members of a terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation at Darusa Village Market in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The operation, conducted on the morning of August 6, 2026, followed credible intelligence reports that suspected terrorists had infiltrated the market to dispose of stolen livestock.
Operation Details
Acting on the intelligence, the troops stormed the market, identified the suspects, and apprehended them before they could complete the transaction. During the operation, the troops recovered six rustled cows, two mobile phones, and the sum of N165,000, believed to be connected to the illegal livestock trade.
The arrested suspects were identified as Usman Bammo, 45, of Huss Village in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State; Muhammadu Dage, 25, of Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State; Ali Usman, 23, of Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State; and Abubakar Garba, 30, of Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Links to Terrorist Network
Military sources said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be members or collaborators of the Lakurawa terrorist network, which has been linked to cattle rustling and other criminal activities in parts of Sokoto and neighbouring states. The suspects are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and prosecution upon the conclusion of initial inquiries.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and banditry in the North-West region. The recovery of the rustled cows and cash highlights the economic impact of such criminal activities on local communities.
