Army Nabs Gunrunner Supplying Weapons to Bello Turji, Ado Aliero
Troops of the 17 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YANMA have arrested a suspected gunrunner allegedly linked to the supply of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating across the North-West.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Saidu Rabiu, a native of Wagini in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, was apprehended on May 15, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation.
Security sources disclosed that troops acted on credible intelligence and traced the suspect to the General Hospital in Batsari, where he was reportedly receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
Read Also:
He was arrested at the facility without resistance and subsequently taken into custody for interrogation.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect is believed to have been involved in the supply of military-grade weapons and ammunition to several notorious terrorist kingpins operating within the region.
Sources linked the suspect to arms transactions involving notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji and Ado Aliero, as well as other criminal commanders identified as the late Kachalla Black and Yellow.
Military sources said the suspect is currently undergoing further interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle arms trafficking networks fuelling terrorism and banditry in the North-West.
The arrest is considered a significant breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across the region.
