Troops Arrest Three Suspected Bandits in Sokoto, Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition and Charms

Security operatives have arrested three suspected bandits during a targeted operation in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following intelligence that a criminal group was preparing to launch an attack in the area.

The suspects were intercepted at about 10:00 a.m. on April 29 along the Tangaza–Gidan Madi road after security forces acted on credible information about their movements.

Security sources told counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama that the operation led to the arrest of three men identified as Aliyu Bello, 30; Dahiru Umar, 25; and Bashar Isah, 29, all from Kwazari village in Kware Local Government Area.

The suspects were reportedly riding on a motorcycle when they were stopped and searched by operatives deployed in the area.

Investigators believe the men are linked to a wider criminal network involved in kidnapping and the imposition of illegal levies on vulnerable rural communities.

During the search, operatives recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, two Dane guns, two cartridges, and charms believed to be used for protection by the suspects.

Security sources said the weapons were carefully concealed inside a sack placed within another bag in an attempt to evade detection.

Authorities confirmed that preliminary investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the gang and dismantle their operations across affected communities.

The latest arrest is part of ongoing security efforts in north-west Nigeria, where troops have intensified operations against armed criminal groups targeting rural settlements