Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 35 Battalion, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Faskari, have arrested three suspected terrorists allegedly transporting N2.7 million in ransom and mobile phones for delivery to a suspected terror kingpin in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The suspects were arrested at about 11:30 a.m. on September 24, 2026, while travelling on a motorcycle within the Faskari area.
Military sources identified the suspects as Habibu Hamza, 35; Inusa Alhaji Iliya, 15; and Umar Alhaji Isihu, 16.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were allegedly on their way to deliver the ransom and mobile phones to two individuals identified as Alhaji Gadani and Zailani Shu’ibu.
Gadani was reportedly identified as the younger brother of the late Ado Aleru and is said to be based in Yankuzo village, while Shu’ibu was reportedly located around Unguwan Tsamiya, both in Faskari LGA.
The items recovered from the suspects reportedly included N2.7 million in ransom, one Android phone and two small Tecno mobile phones.
The military said the items were allegedly intended for onward delivery to a suspected terror kingpin.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits were subsequently transferred to the 17 Brigade Provost Group for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest highlights the role of financial and logistical networks in supporting kidnapping and terrorist activities in parts of Katsina State. Ransom payments, communication devices, couriers and intermediaries can provide crucial support for criminal groups operating in forests and rural communities.
Other Military Operations
In a separate operation, troops of CT2 conducted fighting patrols around Unguwan Samanja, Alikere and Ruwan Godiya, including the Danyaro–Unguwan Bako and Ruwan Godiya–Doma road axes.
The patrols were aimed at denying terrorists and kidnappers freedom of movement. No contact was made with criminal elements, and the operation ended without incident.
Troops of FOB Jibia also conducted fighting patrols along the Jibia–Katsina highway and other areas within their area of responsibility, followed by stop-and-search operations aimed at preventing terrorist and other criminal activities.
Similarly, troops from CT2 and CT4 conducted fighting patrols along the Wanzamai–Faskari–Yankara–Unguwan Boka–Shemе–Funtua–Giwa axis, with stop-and-search operations carried out during the movement.
The military said the operations were intended to disrupt the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements operating within the area.
Meanwhile, troops of 35 Battalion conducted perimeter patrols around the Natsinta Cantonment General Area, while additional patrols continued across the unit’s area of responsibility.
The military described the overall security situation in the area as calm but unpredictable, adding that troops’ morale and operational effectiveness remained satisfactory.
The latest arrest could provide investigators with information about how ransom payments are allegedly moved through couriers and intermediaries before reaching suspected criminal commanders.
However, the identities and alleged roles of the arrested individuals remain subject to further investigation, and the preliminary interrogation should not be regarded as a judicial determination of guilt.
