By Nkechi Eze
In a sustained effort against armed criminal networks in the North-West, troops of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded major operational successes, including the interception of a suspected arms courier, recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the foiling of a cattle rustling attempt.
According to an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the breakthrough occurred on 5 June 2026 when troops of Sector 2 deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda intercepted a civilian vehicle heading towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of millet among other items.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, was arrested after preliminary investigations linked him to the illegal movement of arms and ammunition believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating within the region. The recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation, while efforts have been intensified to track and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
In a separate development on 3 June 2026, troops of Sector 1 OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA responded to intelligence on an ongoing cattle rustling incident in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Acting on a distress call from a local herder, the troops swiftly mobilised and blocked likely escape routes of the criminals.
The troops subsequently engaged the rustlers in a brief firefight, forcing them to abandon 53 rustled cattle and flee into surrounding vegetation. The recovered livestock were later handed over to the rightful owner.
The statement noted that the operations underscore the continued efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to degrade terrorist and criminal logistics networks, disrupt arms trafficking routes, and safeguard the livelihoods of residents across the North-West region.
The Theatre Commander commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and resilience, while urging continued cooperation from members of the public through timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations across the theatre.
