SOKOTO, Nigeria – Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intercepted suspected members and collaborators of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist network during an intelligence-driven operation in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The successful tactical operation led to the recovery of six rustled cows, two mobile phones, and ₦165,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal livestock trading linked to local terror cells operating across the North-West region.
Intelligence-Led Market Raid and Suspect Arrests
Details of the military action were disclosed in a security report shared on Friday by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama.
According to the report, troops attached to Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA executed the raid at Darusa Village Market on Thursday morning.
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The operation followed actionable intelligence revealing that suspected terrorists had infiltrated the community market to liquidate stolen cattle into cash.
Acting swiftly on the report, troops deployed to the location, identified the targets, and cordoned off the area, apprehending the four suspects before the illicit transactions could be concluded.
The four arrested suspects were identified as:
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Usman Bammo, 45, hailing from Huss Village, Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
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Muhammadu Dage, 25, from Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
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Ali Usman, 23, from Binji Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
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Abubakar Garba, 30, from Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
Link to Lakurawa Terror Network and Next Steps
Military sources confirmed that preliminary investigations point to the suspects being active members or logistical collaborators of the Lakurawa network.
The terrorist group has been increasingly linked to widespread cattle rustling, extortion, and armed violence targeting farming communities in Sokoto and adjoining states.
The recovered mobile devices are currently undergoing forensic examination to trace operational contacts, financial flows, and broader logistical networks within the region.
The four suspects remain in military custody undergoing detailed interrogation. Security authorities confirmed that upon completion of preliminary investigations, the suspects and recovered exhibits will be formally handed over to relevant civil law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
