Troops Arrest Suspected Arms Courier, Seize Over 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Recover Rustled Cattle in Zamfara, Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Arms Courier, Seize Over 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Recover Rustled Cattle in Zamfara, Kaduna
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered a large cache of ammunition in Zamfara State, while also foiling a cattle rustling operation and recovering 53 stolen cattle in Kaduna State.
The military disclosed that the operations were conducted separately across the North-West theatre as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist and criminal activities in the region.
According to Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops of Sector 2 deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, intercepted a civilian vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area on June 5, 2026.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack containing millet and other items.
The military identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, who was allegedly transporting the weapons and ammunition to terrorist elements operating within the region.
The suspect was arrested and taken into custody, while the recovered items were secured for further investigation.
Preliminary investigations, according to the task force, indicate that the suspect was on his way to deliver the weapons and ammunition to an accomplice. Security agencies are currently pursuing other members of the suspected criminal network.
In a related operation, troops of Sector 1 OPFY on June 3, 2026, thwarted an attempted cattle rustling incident in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a distress call from a local herder.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops swiftly deployed and positioned themselves along the suspected escape route of the rustlers.
The troops subsequently engaged the armed criminals in a firefight as they attempted to move the stolen livestock out of the area. Faced with sustained military pressure, the rustlers abandoned the cattle and fled into nearby bushes.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 53 cattle, which were later returned to their rightful owner.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the successful operations underscore its commitment to degrading terrorist and criminal networks, disrupting the supply of arms and ammunition to terrorists and bandits, and safeguarding the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens across the North-West.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and resilience, and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
It noted that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the North-West region.
By TimesNG