Troops Intercept ₦2.7m Ransom, Arrest 3 Suspects in Katsina, Dismantle Terrorist Camp in Niger
Troops of the Nigerian Army have disrupted suspected terrorist logistics networks in Katsina and Niger states, arresting three suspects allegedly transporting ₦2.7 million in ransom and mobile phones in Katsina and recovering ammunition from an abandoned terrorist camp in Niger State.
In Katsina State, troops of the 35 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Faskari arrested three suspects while allegedly conveying the ransom money and communication devices to suspected members of a terrorist network operating in the area.
The suspects were arrested at about 11:30 a.m. on September 24, 2026, while travelling on a motorcycle within Faskari Local Government Area, according to military sources.
They were identified as Habibu Hamza, 35; Inusa Alhaji Iliya, 15; and Umar Alhaji Isihu, 16.
The troops reportedly recovered ₦2.7 million, one Android phone and two small Tecno mobile phones from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly taking the items to two individuals identified as Alhaji Gadani and Zailani Shu’ibu, for onward transmission to a suspected terrorist kingpin.
Gadani was reportedly identified as a younger brother of the late terrorist leader, Ado Aleru, and said to be based in Yankuzo village, while Shu’ibu was reportedly located around Unguwan Tsamiya, both in Faskari LGA.
The three suspects and the recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the 17 Brigade Provost Group for further investigation and necessary action.
The development highlights the growing focus by security forces on the financial and logistical networks that sustain kidnapping and terrorist operations in parts of north-western Nigeria.
Beyond armed fighters operating in forests and remote communities, ransom payments, communication devices and intermediaries can provide critical support for criminal networks.
The arrests came as troops continued clearance and fighting patrols across several parts of Katsina State.
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Troops of CT2 conducted patrols around Unguwan Samanja, Alikere and Ruwan Godiya, including the Danyaro-Unguwan Bako and Ruwan Godiya-Doma road axes, in an effort to deny terrorists and kidnappers freedom of movement.
No contact was recorded with the criminal elements during the patrols, which ended without incident.
Similarly, troops of FOB Jibia conducted fighting patrols along the Jibia-Katsina highway and other locations within their area of responsibility, followed by stop-and-search operations.
Troops from CT2 and CT4 also patrolled the Wanzamai-Faskari-Yankara-Unguwan Boka-Sheme-Funtua-Giwa axis, conducting stop-and-search operations along the route.
Meanwhile, troops of 35 Battalion maintained perimeter patrols around the Natsinta Cantonment General Area and other locations within their operational area.
The military described the security situation as generally calm but unpredictable, while reporting that the troops remained in high spirits and operationally ready.
In a related development in Niger State, troops of 22 Brigade, operating under Operation Savannah Shield, raided an abandoned terrorist camp at Alogomo in Edu Local Government Area.
The troops conducted a fighting patrol to the location at about 9 a.m. on September 24 after moving from their base at Dabanlema.
The terrorists reportedly abandoned the camp before the troops arrived, preventing direct contact between the two sides.
During an exploitation of the camp, the troops recovered an AK-47 magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The camp was subsequently destroyed by the troops before they returned to their base.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts to locate and dismantle terrorist hideouts, disrupt their logistics and deny armed groups safe havens from which to launch attacks against communities and security forces.
The two operations underscore the increasing emphasis on disrupting terrorist networks beyond direct battlefield engagements, including their financial channels, communication links, mobility and temporary bases.
However, the identities and alleged roles of the suspects arrested in Katsina remain subject to further investigation, and the preliminary accounts obtained during interrogation do not constitute a judicial determination of guilt.
By PRNigeria
