Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), have achieved significant successes in separate operations across the North-West theatre. The operations led to the arrest of a suspected arms courier found with a large cache of ammunition, while dozens of rustled cattle were also recovered.
Arms Courier Arrested at Checkpoint
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, troops of Sector 2 OPFY deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda on June 5, 2026, intercepted a civilian vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. During a thorough search, the troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack containing millet.
The suspect, Mustapha Abubakar, a 42-year-old, is believed to be involved in the illegal supply of arms to terrorists in the region. He was taken into custody, and all recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation. Preliminary findings indicate he was en route to deliver the items to accomplices, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
Cattle Rustling Foiled in Kaduna
In a related development, troops of Sector 1 OPFY on June 3, 2026, foiled a cattle rustling operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Acting on a distress call from a local herder, the troops mobilised and positioned themselves along the suspected escape route. During a firefight, the criminals abandoned 53 cattle and fled into nearby bushes. The recovered cattle were handed over to their rightful owner.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja stated that these operations underscore the sustained efforts of Operation Fansan Yamma in degrading terrorist and criminal networks, disrupting arms supplies to bandits, and protecting citizens' livelihoods. The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and resilience, urging the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
