Army, French Special Forces Arrest Father, Son Over Alleged Terrorist Links in Sokoto
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
A joint security operation involving Nigerian Army troops, French Special Forces (SOF) and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has led to the arrest of a father and his son over alleged links to terrorist organisations in Sokoto State.
The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Ali and his son, Umaru Ali, were apprehended in the Bauni Forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area during an operation conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Security intelligence indicated that the operation commenced at about 12:47 a.m., with troops of the 248 Battalion, supported by French Special Forces and a tactical team from the NCTC under the Office of the National Security Adviser, leading the mission.
The two suspects, reportedly residents of the Bauni village area, were arrested following the joint operation.
Items recovered during the operation included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, N9,760 in cash and three motorcycle tubes.
Although the suspects are alleged to have connections with terrorist groups, the exact nature and extent of their involvement have yet to be established.
They are currently being held by the 8 Military Intelligence Battalion (8 MIB) for further interrogation and investigation into the allegations.
