Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a significant operational success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in Nigeria's North-West, arresting four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group and recovering rustled cattle during an intelligence-led operation in Sokoto State. The operation, conducted on the morning of Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Darusa Village Market in Gudu Local Government Area, underscores the military's sustained offensive against terrorist networks and criminal elements threatening peace and security across the region.
According to military sources, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that suspected Lakurawa terrorists had infiltrated the market with the intention of selling cattle stolen during previous attacks. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops stormed the market, identified the suspects, and apprehended them without incident. During the operation, the troops recovered six rustled cows, two mobile phones, and ₦165,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the planned illegal sale of the stolen livestock.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Usman Bammo, 45, of Huss Village, Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State; Muhammadu Dage, 25, of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State; Ali Usman, 23, of Binji, Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State; and Abubakar Garba, 30, of Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Security sources said the suspects are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary interrogation to establish the extent of their involvement in terrorist activities and cattle rustling operations linked to the Lakurawa network. Upon the conclusion of initial investigations, the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Lakurawa group has been a persistent security threat in Nigeria's North-West, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states, where it has been linked to cattle rustling, raids on villages, and kidnappings for ransom. The group, which has evolved from a locally tolerated anti-banditry force into a coercive militant actor, has been responsible for a series of violent incidents, including the recent attack on Girkau community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which left a police officer and two civilians dead. The group's activities have also included the imposition of illegal taxes on local populations and the sabotage of oil and gas infrastructure.
The latest operation highlights the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which has continued to dismantle terrorist cells, disrupt criminal logistics, recover stolen property, and restore confidence among communities across the North-West. Military authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to enhance security and protect lives and property.
The recovery of the rustled cattle and the arrest of the suspected terrorists represent a welcome development for communities that have long suffered from the scourge of cattle rustling and banditry. By targeting the group's logistics and financial networks, the military is steadily degrading the operational capabilities of the Lakurawa terrorists and sending a clear message that criminal elements will have no safe haven in the region. As Operation FANSAN YAMMA continues to intensify its offensive, the hope is that sustained pressure and intelligence-driven operations will eventually restore lasting peace and security to the North-West.
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