Troops intercept three canoes procured by terrorist kingpin, disrupt logistics plan in Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three disassembled canoes reportedly procured by a notorious terrorist kingpin, Shehu Bagewaye, to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas of Zamfara State.

The operation, conducted on Sunday, August 23, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that the terrorist leader had arranged for the procurement of the canoes from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State for onward movement into Zamfara.

The Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, who disclosed this in a statement on 23 August 2026 said intelligence indicated that the canoes were intended to help the terrorists overcome river obstacles restricting their movement and enhance their mobility for criminal activities against vulnerable communities.

Acting on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 conducted a covert operation along identified areas of interest and intercepted the three disassembled canoes while they were being transported towards their intended destination.

The individuals conveying the items reportedly abandoned the canoes and fled after sighting the troops.

“Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded another significant intelligence-led operational success with the interception of 3 disassembled canoes reportedly procured by notorious terrorist leader Shehu Bagewaye to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas in Zamfara State,” the statement read.

“The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the terrorist leader had initiated arrangements to procure canoes from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State for onward movement into Zamfara State. 

“Intelligence further revealed that the canoes were intended to overcome river obstacles restricting the movement of the terrorists and consequently enhance their mobility for criminal activities against vulnerable communities.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 on 23 August 2026 conducted a covert operation along identified areas of interest and successfully intercepted 3 disassembled canoes on transit towards their intended destination. 

“The individuals conveying the items abandoned them and fled upon sighting the troops. The recovered items are currently in the custody of troops, while efforts are ongoing to track those connected with the attempted movement.

“The interception underscores the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA in disrupting terrorists logistics and denying criminal elements the resources required to enhance their mobility and operational reach. 

“The Joint Task Force remains committed to taking the fight to the terrorists by identifying and disrupting their networks, logistics and freedom of movement before they can threaten communities.

“Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, as such cooperation remains critical to disrupting terrorist activities and safeguarding lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.”