Troops from the Joint Task Force North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a major logistics operation orchestrated by notorious terrorist kingpin Shehu Bagewaye, intercepting three disassembled canoes intended to expand his group’s operational mobility across riverine areas in Zamfara State.
The covert operation, executed on August 23, 2026, by troops of Sector 2, targeted a movement of watercraft originally procured from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Military sources revealed that the logistics run was designed specifically to bypass natural water obstacles that had previously restricted the gang’s movement.
Upon sighting the advancing military units, the couriers abandoned the disassembled canoes and fled the scene. The equipment remains in military custody as search operations continue to track down those involved.
Speaking on behalf of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for Operation FANSAN YAMMA, confirmed the strategic impact of the interception.
“The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the terrorist leader had initiated arrangements to procure canoes from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State for onward movement into Zamfara State,” Danja stated. “The canoes were intended to overcome river obstacles restricting the movement of the terrorists and consequently enhance their mobility for criminal activities against vulnerable communities.”
Danja emphasized that the successful interdiction highlights the military’s proactive, intelligence-led approach to dismantling criminal networks in the North West.
“The interception underscores the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA in disrupting terrorists’ logistics and denying criminal elements the resources required to enhance their mobility and operational reach,” Danja said. “The Joint Task Force remains committed to taking the fight to the terrorists by identifying and disrupting their networks, logistics, and freedom of movement before they can threaten communities.”
The Nigerian Army has called on residents across the region to maintain close cooperation with security forces to help sustain pressure on armed groups in the zone.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, as such cooperation remains critical to disrupting terrorist activities and safeguarding lives and property across the Joint Operations Area,” Danja added. #Securitynewsalert.com
