Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West) under Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have recorded major operational breakthroughs, including the arrest of a suspected arms courier, recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the successful rescue of rustled cattle in coordinated operations across Zamfara and Kaduna States.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed that the operations were conducted between June 3 and June 5, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and curb criminal activities in the region.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 OPFY on June 5 intercepted a civilian vehicle at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, while it was en route to Shinkafi Local Government Area. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of millet.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, was immediately arrested. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was transporting the weapons and ammunition to an accomplice believed to be linked to terrorist elements operating in the area. The recovered items have been secured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
In a related development, troops of Sector 1 OPFY on June 3 successfully foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a distress call from a local herder.
Acting swiftly, the troops mobilised and strategically positioned themselves along the suspected escape routes. They engaged the rustlers in a firefight as the criminals attempted to move the stolen livestock out of the area. Overwhelmed by military pressure, the rustlers abandoned the cattle and fled into nearby bushes.
A total of 53 rustled cattle were recovered during the operation and subsequently returned to their rightful owner.
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The Task Force noted that the operations underscore its sustained commitment to degrading terrorist and criminal networks, disrupting the illegal flow of arms, and safeguarding the livelihoods of citizens across the North-West.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and resilience, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.
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