Captured bandit makes daring move after luring soldiers to hideout, meets his end

A 20-year-old suspected bandit, Umar Yakubu, who was arrested with an AK-47 rifle in Plateau State, has been killed after making a desperate move.

Yakubu was apprehended on September 4, 2025, by troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) in possession of an AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

He was said to have confessed during interrogation to taking part in several attacks across Barkin Ladi and volunteered to guide soldiers to his colleagues’ hideouts.

According to security analyst Zagozola Makama, Yakubu was allegedly recruited from the Kuka Bakwi Fulani Camp in Barkin Ladi to launch attacks on Nding village. On September 5, he agreed to lead troops to a suspected hideout in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, but events took a dramatic turn during the operation.

Sources disclosed that while the troops were combing the location, the suspect suddenly attempted to seize a soldier’s rifle in a bid to escape.

“He was swiftly overpowered and neutralised by the troops in the process,” one of the sources said.

His body was later deposited at a hospital morgue, while military forces have intensified follow-up operations to track down his accomplices and recover additional weapons.