Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three disassembled canoes reportedly procured by a notorious terrorist leader, Shehu Bagewaye, to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas of Zamfara State.
The Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a press statement, describing the operation as another significant intelligence-led success against terrorist logistics networks.
According to the statement, credible intelligence revealed that the terrorist kingpin had initiated arrangements to procure the canoes from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State for onward movement into Zamfara State.
The intelligence further indicated that the canoes were intended to enable the terrorists overcome river obstacles restricting their movement and enhance their mobility for criminal activities against vulnerable communities.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 conducted a covert operation on 23 August 2026 along identified areas of interest and successfully intercepted the three disassembled canoes while they were being conveyed towards their intended destination.
The individuals transporting the items reportedly abandoned them and fled upon sighting the troops.
The recovered canoes are currently in the custody of the troops, while efforts are ongoing to track down those connected with the attempted movement and dismantle the network behind the procurement.
The interception, according to the Joint Task Force, underscores the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA in disrupting terrorist logistics and denying criminal elements the resources required to enhance their mobility and operational reach.
The Force reiterated its commitment to taking the fight to terrorists by identifying and disrupting their networks, logistics chains and freedom of movement before they can threaten communities.
Members of the public were also encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to disrupting terrorist activities and safeguarding lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.
