₦2.7 MILLION ALLEGED RANSOM DELIVERY INTERCEPTED AS TROOPS ARREST THREE SUSPECTS IN KATSINA

Nigerian Army troops have arrested three suspected terrorists after allegedly intercepting ₦2.7 million in ransom money and mobile phones being transported through Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 35 Battalion arrested the suspects at about 11:30 a.m. on September 24 while they were travelling on a motorcycle in the Faskari area, according to military sources cited in reports.

The suspects were identified as Habibu Hamza, 35, Inusa Alhaji Iliya, 15, and Umar Alhaji Isihu, 16.

Authorities allege that the three were transporting ₦2.7 million and mobile phones intended for onward delivery to a suspected terror kingpin.

The recovered items included the cash, one Android smartphone and two smaller Tecno mobile phones.

According to preliminary military information, the suspects were allegedly travelling to deliver the money and phones to two individuals identified as Alhaji Gadani and Zailani Shu’ibu.

Gadani was described in the military account as a younger brother of the late Ado Aleru and was said to be based in Yankuzo village.

Shu’ibu was reportedly located around Unguwan Tsamiya.

Both locations are within Faskari Local Government Area.

The military said the money and communications devices were ultimately intended for onward delivery to a suspected terror kingpin.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the identity of the alleged final recipient.

The circumstances surrounding the ₦2.7 million, including the kidnapping incident from which the alleged ransom originated, were also not detailed in the initial report.

The suspects and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the 17 Brigade Provost Group for further investigation and necessary action.

The allegations against the three suspects have not been established in court.

Their alleged roles, the source of the money and its intended destination remain matters under investigation.

The interception highlights the continuing effort by security forces to target not only armed groups operating across northwestern Nigeria but also the financial and logistical networks believed to support them.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a major source of insecurity across parts of Katsina and neighboring states.

Armed groups operating from forests and rural hideouts have repeatedly attacked communities, highways and farms, abducting residents and demanding payments for their release.

Security agencies have increasingly focused on suspected informants, couriers and other intermediaries accused of providing money, intelligence, supplies and communications equipment to armed groups.

The latest arrests come amid intensified military and security operations across Katsina State.

Earlier this month, troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued kidnapped civilians and carried out operations against suspected terrorist networks in Katsina and neighboring Kebbi State.

Security forces also recently reported foiling a planned mass kidnapping in Bakori Local Government Area following an intelligence-led operation.

Faskari and surrounding communities have remained among the areas affected by armed groups and kidnapping networks.

The terrain across parts of northwestern Nigeria has allowed criminal groups to operate from remote locations while relying on intermediaries to maintain communication and move supplies.

Ransom payments are particularly important to those networks because money obtained through kidnapping can help armed groups sustain their operations.

Intercepting suspected ransom couriers could therefore provide investigators with information extending beyond the individuals carrying the cash.

Mobile phones recovered during such operations can also become important evidence if forensic examination establishes communication with suspected criminal networks.

For now, however, authorities have only presented preliminary allegations concerning the three people arrested in Faskari.

Investigators will have to establish where the ₦2.7 million came from, who was supposed to receive it and whether the suspects knowingly participated in a terrorist or kidnapping network.

The Nigerian military says operations across the area are continuing as troops attempt to restrict the movement of terrorists, kidnappers and other armed groups.