Nigerian Army troops have arrested a father and his son over suspected involvement in terrorist activities during an operation in Bauni Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and cash.

The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Ali and his son, Umaru Ali, were apprehended on Wednesday, November 11. An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria said both men were believed to be from the Bauni village area. According to the report, troops of the 248 Battalion conducted the operation with support from French Special Forces and a tactical team from the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The suspects have been transferred to the custody of the 8 Military Intelligence Battalion for further investigation into their alleged involvement in terrorist activities. The nature and extent of their suspected links to armed groups have not been established publicly.

Rifle, ammunition recovered
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Security operatives also recovered ₦9,760 in cash and three motorcycle tubes, according to the operational account. The reports did not explain the alleged connection between the cash or motorcycle tubes and the suspected offences. They also did not identify a specific terrorist organisation to which either man was allegedly linked.

Accounts differed on the precise time of the arrests. The operational report carried by NAN placed the apprehension at about 10 a.m. on Wednesday, while other reports, citing security sources, gave the time as approximately 12:47 a.m. on the same date. Both accounts identified the same suspects, location and military unit.

The reported involvement of French Special Forces was attributed to the operational report and security sources. The accounts reviewed did not include a separate statement from French authorities describing their personnel’s role in the operation.

Investigation continues
A subsequent report said preliminary inquiries indicated that one of the suspects had left the forest to visit his family when troops apprehended him. However, it did not identify which of the two men that account concerned or provide further details about the circumstances.

Investigators are seeking to establish the extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement and identify any other individuals connected to the case. The military said the men would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution after preliminary investigations were completed.

The available reports did not disclose whether either suspect had made a statement, obtained legal representation or been formally charged. Their arrests and the reported recovery of a weapon remain allegations requiring investigation and do not constitute a judicial finding of guilt.

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