By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have recorded major operational successes in separate security operations across the North-West, leading to the arrest of a suspected arms courier, the recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the rescue of dozens of rustled cattle.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 on June 5 intercepted a civilian vehicle at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, while it was travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack filled with millet and other items.
The military identified the suspect as 42 year old Mustapha Abubakar, who is believed to be involved in the illegal transportation of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the region. He was immediately arrested, while the recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation.
Military authorities disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was on his way to deliver the weapons and ammunition to an accomplice. Efforts are currently underway to track down and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
In a related development, troops of Sector 1 OPFY on June 3 thwarted 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 intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised and positioned themselves along the suspected escape route of the rustlers. During the operation, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight as they attempted to move the stolen cattle out of the area.
The superior firepower and pressure from the troops forced the rustlers to abandon the livestock and flee into nearby bushes.
The operation resulted in the successful recovery of 53 cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owner.
The military said the successful operations underscore the sustained efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to bandits and terrorists, and protect the lives and livelihoods of law-abiding citizens 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 information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security, and stability in the region.
