Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) on a patrol near Maradun in Zamfara State have intercepted a 35-year-old terrorists’ collaborator, Lawali Dan Alo, and recovered N5.302 million and mobile phone from him.

“Preliminary interrogation showed the suspect was allegedly delivering the funds on behalf of a terrorist leader to another individual, Kasimu Garba, who was arrested at his residence. Both suspects are in custody for further investigation,” Lt.-Col Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, said in a statement on Saturday.

Danja also said the troops recorded fresh successes against terrorists in separate operations across the state on Friday, disrupting terrorist movements, intercepted logistics supplier, recovered military accoutrements among other items, and neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from a major road.

He said in the counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) operation, troops of Sector 2 in conjunction with a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to a report of a suspected IED near Jabanda village, Zurmi Local Government Area.

The team, he said, located and cleared the device, scanned the road, declared it safe and reopened to motorists.

Danja said that while returning from the operation, the troops encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village, Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, and engaged them, forcing a withdrawal into the bush, adding that exploitation of the general area led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.

“In Shinkafi Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2, working with the Mobile Police Squadron, acted on credible intelligence about terrorist activity around Kwanar Jolof. Troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. A follow-up search of the area recovered a motorcycle, a pair of camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat, among other items.”

He said the Theatre Command has commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response.

He vowed that aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and targeted action against terrorist networks will continue across the North West region and appealed to the public to remain vigilant and share timely and credible information with security agencies in order to restore lasting peace in the region.