Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Courier, Seize Over 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Recover 53 Rustled Cattle

Troops of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded major operational successes in Zamfara and Kaduna states, arresting a suspected arms courier, recovering a large cache of ammunition, and foiling a cattle rustling operation.

In a statement issued on Friday, the task force said troops of Sector 2 deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, intercepted a vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area on June 5.

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 in a sack of millet.

The military identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, who is alleged to be involved in the illegal supply of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the region. He was arrested and taken into custody, while the recovered items were secured for further investigation.

According to preliminary findings, the suspect was reportedly transporting the weapons and ammunition to an accomplice. Security agencies are continuing efforts to track down other members of the suspected criminal network.

In a separate operation on June 3, troops of Sector 1 thwarted an attempted cattle rustling incident in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State after receiving a distress call from a herder whose livestock had been stolen by armed criminals.

Acting on the information, troops swiftly mobilised and positioned themselves along the suspected escape route. The soldiers subsequently engaged the rustlers in a firefight, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and flee into nearby bushes.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 53 cattle, which were later returned to their owner.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the successes underscore ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, disrupt the flow of weapons to bandits and terrorists, and safeguard communities across the North-West.

The theatre command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing security operations in the region.