Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Security forces have arrested a suspected bandit informant, Ashiru Abubakar, over allegations of supplying intelligence to criminal elements operating around Tambuwal communities in Sokoto State. The suspect, a native of Gumfa Gebe village in Wamakko Local Government Area, was arrested in Romo village, Tambuwal LGA, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Reports indicate that Abubakar was linked to a threat issued against Romo village, where residents were allegedly given an ultimatum to pay ₦10 million or face an attack. The arrest followed intelligence gathering by security operatives tracking the movement of persons suspected to be collaborating with bandit groups in the area. His alleged role was to provide information on the community's defences, movements of residents and security operations to the bandits.
The arrest highlights the role of informants in enabling bandit operations across Sokoto and neighbouring states. Security sources said informants provide the intelligence bandits rely on to plan attacks, select targets and avoid security patrols. The ₦10 million ultimatum imposed on Romo village is consistent with the levies bandits have imposed on communities across the North-West in recent months. In September 2026, bandits demanded ₦40 million from Kebbe town in the same local government area, threatening to kill residents and burn the community if the money was not paid. In June 2026, multi-million-naira levies were imposed on at least 26 communities in Sabon Birni LGA, with demands ranging between ₦4 million and ₦6 million per community.
Security forces have prioritised the arrest of informants and logistics suppliers in recent operations across Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states. In Zamfara, the Community Protection Guards arrested a procurement officer who allegedly coordinated the purchase of rifles, motorcycles and supplies for a bandit leader, along with a suspected bandit doctor and a fake lawyer who were part of the same support network. In Katsina, security operatives arrested a man linked to notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Maha over allegations of supplying information and running errands for the group.
The arrest of Abubakar is expected to provide investigators with intelligence on the network of informants operating in Tambuwal and surrounding areas. Security agencies have consistently stressed that community cooperation is essential to identifying and dismantling these networks. Residents have been urged to report suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.
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