The Joint Task Force (JTF) had reportedly arrested seven suspected bandits during a raid in Fadamar Lugui Giyawa, Sokoto State, with 54 cattle also recovered.
According to a preliminary investigation, the suspects are allegedly linked to high-profile bandits operating in parts of eastern Sokoto and involved in various attacks in the area.
The arrestted suspects were identified as Buba Alhaji Bello, 20, Abdullahi Hassan, 22, Alti Shehu, 25, Sani Alhaji Duna, 18,, Abu Gidado, 20, Shehu Modibbo, 20, and Ibrahim Modi, 20.
The development raises fresh concerns about the growing involvement of local networks in banditry and the impact of cattle theft on communities.
