Troops arrested four suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto, recovered six rustled cows, cash and phones during an intelligence-led Operation FANSAN YAMMA raid.
Nigerian troops operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded another breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against terrorism and cattle rustling in the North-West after arresting four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Sokoto State.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, August 6, followed intelligence reports indicating that individuals believed to be linked to the notorious terrorist network had moved stolen livestock to Darusa Village Market with the intention of selling them.
Acting on the information, soldiers swiftly mobilised to the market, where they identified the suspects and carried out a carefully coordinated arrest.
Military authorities said the operation was completed without resistance, allowing troops to apprehend all four suspects and recover the animals believed to have been stolen during previous attacks on communities in the region.
The successful raid also led to the recovery of six cows, two mobile phones and ₦165,000 in cash. Security officials suspect the money was connected to the planned sale of the recovered livestock, although investigations are still ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the transaction.
The spokesman for Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto.
According to him, the military acted on credible intelligence received from sources monitoring the activities of criminal groups operating across the state.
He explained that troops quickly moved into the market after confirming the intelligence, ensuring that the suspects were intercepted before the stolen cattle could be sold.
According to the military, the suspects were identified as 45-year-old Usman Bammo from Huss Village in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State; Muhammadu Dage, 25, from Birnin Kebbi in neighbouring Kebbi State; 23-year-old Ali Usman from Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State; and 30-year-old Abubakar Garba from Silame Local Government Area of the state.
Investigators are now questioning the four suspects to determine the extent of their alleged involvement in cattle rustling, terrorism financing and other criminal activities believed to be associated with the Lakurawa group.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the suspects remain in military custody while preliminary investigations continue.
He noted that intelligence gathered during the interrogation could help security agencies identify additional members of the criminal network and uncover other operations linked to the group.
He added that once the military completes its initial investigation, the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The recovery of the stolen cattle is expected to bring some relief to affected livestock owners, many of whom have suffered significant financial losses due to repeated attacks by armed groups operating in parts of the North-West.
Cattle rustling has become one of the major sources of funding for criminal gangs and terrorist organisations, making it a key target for ongoing military operations.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that proceeds from stolen livestock are often used to finance the purchase of weapons, ammunition and logistics, allowing armed groups to sustain violent attacks against rural communities. For this reason, disrupting illegal cattle markets has become an important part of counter-terrorism operations across several states.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA was launched to strengthen military efforts against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Nigeria’s North-West.
Since its commencement, troops have intensified intelligence-led operations, clearance missions and coordinated patrols aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, rescuing victims and restoring security in affected communities.
Military authorities have consistently maintained that collaboration between security agencies and local residents remains vital to the success of the operation.
They encouraged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that can assist troops in tracking criminal elements before they carry out attacks.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agencies, stressing that community support remains one of the strongest tools in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.
The latest operation underscores the military’s determination to deny terrorist groups access to financial resources while intensifying pressure on criminal networks responsible for insecurity across the North-West.
Security officials expressed confidence that sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated operations will continue to weaken the operational capacity of armed groups threatening lives, livelihoods and economic activities in the region.
