Reported RSO-Linked Figure Abu Toyub Arrested After Alleged Robbery, Violence, Killings and Threats in Camp 8W
Abu Toyub, 25, a reported RSO-linked figure from Camp 8W, Block A-46, has been arrested by APBN 14 after being accused of robbery, sexual violence, threats, armed violence and killings. Rohingya Monitor reporting indicates that members of his group continue to threaten and confront civilians following his arrest.
CAMP 8W, Bangladesh — Abu Toyub, 25, a resident of Camp 8W, Block A-46, has been arrested by Armed Police Battalion (APBN) 14, according to information obtained by Rohingya Monitor.
Toyub is identified in the report as a member and local commander linked to the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO). He is accused of involvement in repeated robbery, threats against civilians, sexual violence and armed violence across parts of the refugee camps.
According to the information reviewed by Rohingya Monitor, Toyub was accused of daily robbery from shops, individuals and families and he used to drink Yaba drugs. He was also accused of sexual violence, including alleged rape incidents across different camp blocks. One reported case involved a widow in H-6 block by an eyewitness of Rohingya Monitor source and its surrounding families knew about it for many times but they were later seriously beaten by Abu Toyub.
The allegations also include threats against civilians and involvement in armed attacks and killings.
Toyub has been accused of involvement in the killing of Abdul Halim, ARO Chief Commander, and the killing of the younger brother of Nobi Hussain, ARA Chief Commander.
Reported Armed Group in the Tri-border Area Camp 8W, 9 and 10
Rohingya Monitor found information indicating that Toyub operated around Camp 8W and nearby areas of Camps 9 and 10.
The area is described as a strategic tri-border zone within the camps. Toyub reportedly formed a group of around 10 to 15 Rohingya youths and boys from the surrounding blocks in 2024. Some members are reportedly under 18. Most are said to be between 18 and 24 years old.
The group includes individuals identified as Mohammed Ali from H-6, Soyed Noor from H-23, Ayas, also known as Salmainna, from H-8, Mehdi Hasan from I-19, and Osman from H-8, along with others from the surrounding area.
Rohingya Monitor's reporting indicates that all the members of the group were unemployed and had not participated in any available IOM-supported labour activities in the camps for their earnings and survival.
The reporting raises concern that unemployed young people can become vulnerable to recruitment or influence by violent groups like RSO operating inside the refugee camps.
Links to powerful figures
Information reviewed by Rohingya Monitor also indicates reported links between Abu Toyub and powerful figures including AK Qasim and Mv. Mohammed Noor.
Mv. Mohammed Noor is described as a powerful figure in Camp 11, Thaingkhali, and as a major figure associated with the yaba drug trade between Arakan Army (AA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO). He is usually accompanied by a large number of armed bodyguards carrying rifles in his area.
Rohingya Monitor observed and found videos showing armed men reportedly patrolling with him. Nearby civilians also expressed concerns about their presence. Blood is seen on the road with no body, civilians express that killings of people at night by RSO remain blood of the victims while their bodies were not found or seen anywhere.
Other claims published by Rohingya-based social media accounts have linked Toyub to AK Qasim of Camp 9, who is described in those claims as another powerful figure with substantial financial resources and alleged involvement in yaba trafficking through the RSO network between the Arakan Army.
Violence continues after the arrest
Toyub's arrest has not ended the reported activities of his group.
Rohingya Monitor found information from locations in the area indicating that members of the group have continued to engage in threats, robbery and confrontations with Rohingya civilians.
In several reported incidents, civilians fought back against members of the group. Rohingya Monitor received information that groups of women, men and boys defended themselves during some of these confrontations and struck members of the alleged group at night at around 12:40 AM.
The incidents reflect continuing insecurity for civilians living around the camps.
Growing security concerns in the camps
Security concerns inside the Rohingya refugee camps have increased sharply since around 2021, according to the reporting reviewed by Rohingya Monitor.
The concerns followed violent campaigns involving members of the RSO and Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), with some incidents reportedly involving cooperation between the groups.
Abu Toyub was also reportedly previously wanted by the Armed Police Battalion (APBN).
Toyub is an RSO member accused of robbery, sexual violence, threats against civilians and involvement in killings. His links to powerful figures and armed networks add to the security concerns facing civilians in areas where such groups maintain influence.
Rohingya Monitor will continue to monitor developments involving Toyub's group and the security situation in Camp 8W and surrounding areas.