Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), have arrested two suspected collaborators of bandits during a routine stop-and-search operation at a military checkpoint in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to military authorities, the suspects were apprehended at about 11:49 p.m. on June 26 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Jangeme checkpoint, while conducting routine security screening of vehicles and passengers.

Military sources said the suspects drew the attention of the troops through their suspicious behaviour, prompting their arrest for further questioning.

Preliminary investigations, according to the sources, indicated that the two individuals are suspected of maintaining links with terrorist groups operating in parts of the state.

The sources further disclosed that a forensic examination of the suspects’ mobile phones uncovered several images and digital materials allegedly linking them to terrorist-related activities, suggesting they may have been providing support to criminal elements.

Items recovered from the suspects included one motorcycle, believed to have been used in their operations, and two mobile phones, which have been retained as exhibits for further digital exploitation and intelligence analysis.

The suspects remain in military custody as intelligence operatives continue investigations to determine the extent of their involvement, identify other collaborators, and establish possible links to terrorist groups operating across the North-West.

Military authorities described the arrest as part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks by targeting informants, logistics providers, and other collaborators who facilitate the activities of armed groups in the region.

They said the operation underscores the military’s sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and strengthen security across the North-West through proactive intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations.

The military also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information to aid efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities in the region.