Nigerian Troops Arrest Notorious Bandit ‘Sule Yellow’ After Viral TikTok Livestream Flaunting Kidnappings, Ransom Money

Minna, Niger State– Nigerian security forces have arrested a notorious bandit leader identified as Sule Yellow, a criminal figure who became infamous on social media for openly flaunting kidnapping operations and ransom payments during livestreams on TikTok.

Sule Yellow, who operated on TikTok under the handle @Suleyellow6, was captured by security operatives following intelligence tracking his activities online and in bandit-controlled areas.

His arrest comes weeks after he appeared in a widely circulated TikTok livestream on March 4, 2026, where he and other armed bandits openly discussed their operations, celebrated attacks, and displayed apparent proceeds from kidnappings.

During the livestream, Sule Yellow appeared alongside another suspected bandit identified as Auta, as well as other members of their criminal gang.

The group reportedly used the live session to boast about their activities, further drawing attention to their operations.

A video obtained by Afrika Eyes shows the moment Sule Yellow was apprehended by security forces and placed in handcuffs.

In the footage, the suspect is seen being interrogated by soldiers while admitting that weapons linked to his gang were kept in different locations.

When asked by a soldier where the rifles used by the gang were kept, Sule Yellow responded that some of the weapons were with an associate.

“It is in Rijano and with Dogo. One is in our house right now. I know where you can meet Dogo, he’s at home,” he said in the video.

During the interrogation, the security personnel also asked him to confirm the identity he used on TikTok.

Responding, he said his username on the platform was Sale Ibrahim.

In the background of the footage, one of the soldiers was heard identifying Sule Yellow as one of the bandits who had been publicly displaying criminal activities on social media.

“Do you see this guy? He was the one on TikTok displaying online. We thank God that today we apprehend him,” the soldier said.

The video also showed the operatives presenting what they said was ransom money recovered from the suspect.

Holding up a polythene bag allegedly containing cash, one of the soldiers said the money was linked to a recent kidnapping carried out by the gang.

“We’ll clear your doubt today. You see the polythene bag, it is money. They have already kidnapped someone,” the soldier was heard saying.

The arrest highlights growing concerns over the use of social media platforms by armed groups to intimidate communities, recruit members, and display proceeds from criminal activities.

In recent years, bandit groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria have increasingly used platforms like TikTok to broadcast propaganda videos, threaten communities, and showcase weapons and ransom payments.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the location of the arrest or whether additional suspects connected to the group have been apprehended.