Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), have recorded major successes in separate operations conducted across the North-West theatre.

The operations led to the arrest of a suspected arms courier found in possession of a large cache of ammunition, while dozens of rustled cattle were also recovered.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, and made available to journalists in Gusau.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 OPFY deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda on June 5, 2026, intercepted a civilian vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

“During a thorough search of the vehicle, the troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack containing millet, among other items,” the statement said.

Further investigations revealed that the weapons and ammunition were allegedly being transported by a 42-year-old suspect identified as Mustapha Abubakar, who is believed to be involved in the illegal supply of arms and ammunition to terrorists operating within the region.

Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the suspect was immediately taken into custody, while all recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation.

He added that preliminary findings indicated the suspect was on his way to deliver the items to accomplices, noting that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.

In a related development, troops of Sector 1 OPFY on June 3, 2026, successfully foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a distress call from a local herder whose cattle had been stolen by armed criminals.

“Acting swiftly on the information, the troops mobilised and positioned themselves along the suspected escape route of the rustlers,” Danja said.

“During the operation, troops encountered the criminals as they attempted to move the stolen livestock out of the area.

“The ensuing firefight forced the rustlers to abandon the cattle and flee into nearby bushes under intense military pressure.”

The operation led to the recovery of 53 cattle, which were subsequently handed over to their rightful owner.

According to Danja, the successful operations underscore the sustained efforts of Operation Fansan Yamma in degrading terrorist and criminal networks, disrupting the supply of arms and ammunition to terrorists and bandits, and protecting the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens across the North-West region.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and resilience, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

“Such support remains vital to ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security, and stability across the theatre,” Danja added.