Nigerian troops arrest notorious TikToker and bandit ‘Sule Yellow’ after intelligence operation

By Johnson Arua

A targeted intelligence-led operation by the Nigerian military has resulted in the arrest of a notorious bandit identified as Sule Yellow, who gained notoriety on social media platform TikTok under the username suleyellow6.

The arrest, which took place late Tuesday night, marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security agencies to clamp down on banditry and kidnapping activities in parts of the country.

Military sources disclosed that the suspect was apprehended while returning from collecting a ransom payment linked to a kidnapped victim, indicating his direct involvement in criminal operations.

Sule Yellow had drawn widespread attention earlier this month after appearing in a TikTok Live session alongside other suspected bandits and insurgents, where they openly displayed their activities without fear of arrest.

The viral livestream raised concerns among Nigerians about the growing audacity of criminal elements and their use of social media platforms to publicise their operations.

Following his arrest, security forces moved swiftly to disable the TikTok account associated with the suspect, effectively cutting off a channel that had been used to broadcast and possibly glorify criminal acts.

Eyewitnesses present during the arrest described a stark contrast between the suspect’s online persona and his behaviour in custody.

According to the witnesses, Sule Yellow appeared visibly shaken, fidgeting nervously and struggling to speak as he was taken into custody by military personnel.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding ongoing investigations, but sources indicate that efforts are underway to track down other members of the gang linked to the suspect.

The arrest is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Nigerian military to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in security operations across affected regions.