Esther Oseyiomon
Troops of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intercepted a suspected arms courier and recovered more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara State, while also foiling a cattle rustling operation in Kaduna State.
The operation was carried out on June 5, 2026, when troops deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area intercepted a vehicle heading towards Shinkafi. A search of the vehicle uncovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack filled with millet.
Military authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, who is believed to be involved in supplying arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating across the North-West. He was immediately arrested, while the recovered items were secured for further investigation.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect was allegedly transporting the weapons to an accomplice, prompting security agencies to intensify efforts to dismantle the wider criminal network behind the illegal arms movement.
In a separate operation on June 3, 2026, troops of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded to a distress call from a herder whose cattle had been rustled by armed criminals in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The troops swiftly mobilised and intercepted the rustlers along their escape route. Following a brief firefight, the criminals abandoned the stolen livestock and fled into nearby bushes under military pressure.
The operation led to the recovery of 53 cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owner, bringing relief to the affected herder and community.
Military authorities said the successful operations demonstrate the sustained efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist logistics networks, combat banditry and safeguard lives and livelihoods across the North-West region, while urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.