Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded fresh successes against terrorists in Zamfara State, with the neutralization of an Improvised Explosive Device, recovery of military items, and arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers.
The operations, carried out on Friday, August 7, 2026, across Zurmi, Birnin Magaji, Shinkafi and Maradun Local Government Areas, also disrupted terrorist movements and logistics networks in the state, the JTF said in a statement on Saturday.
Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed that troops of Sector 2, in conjunction with a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to an intelligence report on a suspected IED planted near Jabanda village in Zurmi LGA.
According to him, the team located and safely detonated the device, swept the road and reopened it to motorists.
“Returning from the operation, the troops encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji LGA. The terrorists fled into the bush following an exchange of fire. Exploitation of the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items,” he stated.
In a separate operation in Shinkafi LGA, troops working with the Mobile Police Squadron acted on credible intelligence on terrorist activities around Kwanar Jolof.
The statement said the troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. A subsequent search yielded one motorcycle, two camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat.
The most significant arrest was made in Maradun LGA where troops on patrol intercepted a 35-year-old suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics vendor, Lawali Dan Alo.
Danja said a search of the suspect’s bag, which he claimed contained food items, led to the recovery of over ₦5.302 million in cash and a mobile phone.
“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect was allegedly conveying the funds on behalf of a terrorist leader to another individual, Kasimu Garba, who was subsequently arrested at his residence. Both suspects are in custody and undergoing further investigation,” he added.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and prompt response, noting that aggressive patrols and intelligence-led operations would be sustained across the North West region.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to help restore lasting peace in the region.
