Troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside French Special Forces (SOF) and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), have arrested a father and his son over their alleged links to terrorist groups in Sokoto State.
The suspects, identified as Umaru Ali and his father, Muhammadu Ali, reportedly hail from the Bauni village area of Tangaza Local Government Area.
Security sources said the joint operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in Bauni Forest.
The operation involved troops of the Army’s 248 Battalion, French Special Forces and the NCTC Tactical Team under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
During the operation, security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, one magazine containing three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and ₦9,760 in cash. The troops also recovered three motorcycle tubes from the suspects.
Security sources reportedly linked the duo to terrorist groups, although authorities have yet to establish the nature and extent of their alleged involvement.
However, Following their arrest, they were transferred to the 8 Military Intelligence Battalion (8 MIB), where they remain in custody for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the security sources have not disclosed whether the father and son belonged to a particular armed group, their alleged responsibilities within any network or whether they provided logistical support to other suspected terrorists. Rather, the 8 Military Intelligence Battalion affirmed continued investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding their alleged activities and determine whether other individuals have links to the case.
