Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Courier, Recover Over 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Foil Cattle Rustling in North-West
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded significant operational successes in separate operations across the theatre, including the interception of a suspected arms courier and the recovery of a large cache of ammunition, as well as the foiling of a cattle rustling attempt.
Security sources said the first operation was conducted on June 5 at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, where troops of Sector 2 intercepted a civilian vehicle heading towards Shinkafi Local Government Area.
According to the sources, a thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of millet alongside other items.
The sources added that the suspected courier, a 42-year-old man identified as Mustapha Abubakar, was arrested in connection with the illegal movement of arms and ammunition believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating in the region.
They said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was en route to deliver the consignment to an accomplice, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
In a related development, troops of Sector 1 of the operation foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation on June 3 in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the troops responded to a distress call from a herder whose cattle had been rustled by armed criminals and quickly mobilised to block suspected escape routes.
The sources said the troops engaged the rustlers in a firefight, forcing them to abandon 53 rustled cattle and flee into nearby bushes.
The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to their rightful owner.
The sources said the operations underscored the sustained efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in disrupting arms supply chains, degrading criminal networks, and protecting livelihoods across the North-West region.
They added that the Theatre Command commended troops for their professionalism and resilience, while urging continued public support through timely and credible information sharing to enhance ongoing security operations.
