A routine market transaction allegedly linked to stolen cattle has ended with four suspects in military custody in Sokoto State.
Troops uncovered the alleged operation after receiving intelligence about suspected terrorists operating around Darusa Village Market.
The raid highlights growing security efforts to disrupt cattle rustling and terrorist networks across communities in north-western Nigeria.
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, arrested four suspected members or collaborators of the Lakurawa network.
The operation took place on August 6, 2026, at Darusa Village Market in Gudu Local Government Area.
According to intelligence sources, the suspects allegedly entered the market to sell stolen livestock.
Troops acted on the information and moved into the market before the suspected transaction could be completed.
Six cows believed to have been rustled were recovered during the operation.
Soldiers also seized two mobile phones and N165,000 suspected to be linked to the alleged livestock trade.
The suspects were identified as Usman Bammo, 45, from Huss Village in Gudu.
Others are Muhammadu Dage, 25, from Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, and Ali Usman, 23, from Binji.
The fourth suspect, Abubakar Garba, 30, is from Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Military sources said early findings suggest possible links between the suspects and the Lakurawa terrorist network.
The group has been linked to cattle rustling and other criminal activities across parts of Sokoto and neighbouring states.
The market raid followed what security sources described as credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists.
The suspects remain in military custody while investigators conduct preliminary questioning.
They are expected to be transferred to the appropriate security agency after the initial investigation.
Further investigation will determine their alleged roles and possible links to the Lakurawa network.
Security agencies are also expected to establish the source of the recovered cattle and trace other possible collaborators.
