OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA TROOPS ARREST SUSPECTED ARMS COURIER, RECOVER 53 RUSTLED CATTLE IN NORTH-WEST

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Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation Fansan Yamma, have recorded major operational successes in separate operations across the North-West region, leading to the arrest of a suspected arms courier and the recovery of dozens of rustled cattle.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, 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.

During a detailed search of the vehicle, the troops reportedly recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack containing millet and other items.

Further investigations identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, who is alleged to be involved in the illegal transportation of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the region.

Lieutenant Colonel Danja stated that the suspect was immediately taken into custody, while the recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation.

He added that preliminary findings suggest the suspect was transporting the weapons to accomplices, with efforts currently underway to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.

In a separate operation, troops of Sector 1 of Operation Fansan Yamma successfully foiled an attempted cattle-rustling operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on June 3, 2026.

The operation followed a distress call from a local herder who reported that armed criminals had rustled his cattle.

Acting on the intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised and positioned themselves along the suspected escape route of the rustlers.

According to Danja, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight as they attempted to move the stolen livestock out of the area.

“The ensuing firefight forced the rustlers to abandon the cattle and flee into nearby bushes under intense military pressure,” he said.

The operation led to the recovery of 53 cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owner.

The Theatre Command described the operations as part of sustained efforts to weaken terrorist and criminal networks, disrupt arms supply chains, and protect the livelihoods of residents across the North-West.

It also commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and resilience, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

The Command noted that public cooperation remains critical to restoring lasting peace, security, and stability across the region.