Troops of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered a large cache of ammunition in Zamfara State, while also foiling a cattle rustling operation in neighbouring Kaduna State.
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 on June 5 intercepted a civilian vehicle heading towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack containing millet.
The military said the recovered items were allegedly being transported by a 42-year-old suspect, Mustapha Abubakar, who is believed to be involved in the illegal movement of arms and ammunition to terrorists operating in the region.
The suspect was immediately arrested, while the recovered weapons and ammunition were secured for further investigation.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was on his way to deliver the consignment to an accomplice. Security forces said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 1 on June 3 foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a distress call from a local herder.
Acting on the information, the troops swiftly mobilised and positioned themselves along the suspected escape route of the rustlers. The troops later engaged the criminals in a firefight as they attempted to move the stolen livestock out of the area.
The military said the armed rustlers abandoned the cattle and fled into nearby bushes under sustained pressure from the troops.
A total of 53 cattle were recovered during the operation and subsequently handed over to their rightful owner.
The Theatre Command said the successful operations underscored the ongoing efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist and criminal activities, prevent the movement of arms and ammunition to bandits, and safeguard communities across the North-West.
The command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and resilience, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore peace, security and stability in the region.
