Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Courier, Recover Over 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition in Zamfara
Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Courier, Recover Over 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition in Zamfara
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded major operational successes in separate operations across Zamfara and Kaduna states, leading to the arrest of a suspected arms courier, recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the rescue of dozens of rustled cattle.
The military disclosed that troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted a suspected arms trafficker during a checkpoint operation in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, on June 5, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops stopped and searched a civilian vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area, where they discovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack containing millet.
The military identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, who was immediately arrested and taken into custody.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was allegedly transporting the weapons and ammunition to terrorist elements operating within the North-West region.
“The recovered weapons and ammunition were allegedly being conveyed to an accomplice. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network,” the statement said.
All recovered exhibits have been secured as investigations continue.
In a separate operation on June 3, troops of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The intervention followed a distress call from a local herder who reported that armed criminals had rustled his cattle.
Acting on the intelligence, troops swiftly deployed and positioned themselves along the suspected escape routes of the rustlers.
The troops subsequently engaged the criminals in a firefight as they attempted to move the stolen livestock out of the area.
Overwhelmed by 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 handed over to their rightful owner.
The Theatre Command said the successful operations underscored the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, disrupt the movement of illegal arms and ammunition, and safeguard the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens across the North-West.
The command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and resilience, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
It noted that public support remains critical to ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the region.Caption: Recovered ammunition, locally fabricated pistol and magazine intercepted by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA during the arrest of a suspected arms courier in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State.
By TimesNG