Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have recorded major operational successes in separate security operations across the North-West, including the arrest of a suspected arms courier, the recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the rescue of rustled cattle.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops of Sector 2 intercepted a civilian vehicle at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, on June 5, 2026.
During a search of the vehicle, soldiers discovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of millet.
The military identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, who is alleged to be involved in the illegal transportation of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the region.
Abubakar was arrested and taken into custody, while the recovered items were secured for further investigation.
Military authorities said preliminary investigations suggest the suspect was en route to deliver the weapons and ammunition to an accomplice. Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network.
In a separate operation conducted on June 3, troops of Sector 1 successfully foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State after receiving a distress call from a herder whose livestock had been stolen by armed criminals.
Acting on the information, the troops quickly mobilised and positioned themselves along the suspected escape route of the rustlers. The soldiers later engaged the criminals in a firefight as they attempted to move the stolen cattle out of the area.
The rustlers reportedly abandoned the livestock and fled into nearby bushes under intense military pressure.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 53 cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owner.
The military said the successful operations underscore the ongoing efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, disrupt the flow of arms and ammunition to bandits and terrorists, and safeguard the livelihoods of residents across the North-West.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and resilience, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security and stability in the region.
