Troops intercept arms dealer, recover cache of ammunition, foil cattle rustling

Troops of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have recorded significant operational successes in separate operations conducted across the North-West theatre, resulting in the arrest of a suspected arms courier, recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the successful recovery of rustled cattle.

On 5 June 2026, troops of Sector 2 OPFY deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda intercepted a civilian vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. During a thorough search of the vehicle, the troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack containing millet, among other items.

Further examination revealed that the recovered weapons and ammunition were allegedly being transported by a 42-year-old suspect identified as Mustapha Abubakar, who is believed to be involved in the illegal movement of arms and ammunition to terrorists operating within the region. The suspect was immediately taken into custody, while all recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was en route to deliver the items to an accomplice. Consequently, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.

In a related development, troops of Sector 1 OPFY on 3 June 2026 successfully foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a distress call from a local herder whose cattle had been rustled by armed criminals.

Acting swiftly on the information, the troops mobilised and positioned along the suspected escape route of the rustlers. During the operation, troops encountered the criminals 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.

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

The successful operations highlight the sustained efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in degrading terrorists and criminal networks, disrupting the supply of arms and ammunition to terrorists and bandits, and protecting the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens across the North-West region.

The Theatre Command commends the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and resilience, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. Such support remains vital to ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the theatre.

ALIYU DANJA

Lieutenant Colonel

Media Information Officer

Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA

5 June 2026