Troops of Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have intercepted three disassembled canoes procured by a notorious terrorist leader, Shehu Bagewaye, to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas in Zamfara State.

The canoes which were on transit towards their intended destination were intercepted on 23 August 2026 during a covert operation.

According to the Media Information Officer, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.Col. Aliyu Danja, 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.

Danja said that 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,” he said.

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

He said that 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, he said, 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.