Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have recorded major operational successes in separate missions across the North-West region, including the interception of a suspected arms courier, recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the disruption of a cattle rustling operation.
According to a statement issued on June 5, 2026, by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA,
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 OPFY deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda intercepted a civilian vehicle heading towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of millet, along with other items.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, was arrested at the scene. He is believed to be involved in the illegal movement of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for terrorist groups operating within the region.
Security sources said preliminary investigations indicate the suspect was en route to deliver the weapons to an accomplice, while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network. All recovered items have been secured for further investigation.
In a separate operation on June 3, 2026, troops of Sector 1 OPFY foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a distress call from a herder whose livestock had been stolen by armed criminals.
Acting on the information, troops swiftly mobilised and blocked suspected escape routes. The soldiers later engaged the rustlers in a firefight, forcing them to abandon the stolen cattle and flee into nearby bushes.
The operation led to the recovery of 53 cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owner.
The Theatre Command described the operations as part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist and criminal networks, disrupt the supply chain of arms to insurgents and bandits, and safeguard livelihoods across the region.
It commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and resilience, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.