Troops Arrest Arms Courier, Recover Ammunition In Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West) “Operation FANSAN YAMMA” have arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and rescued stolen livestock.

The media information officer for the Joint Task Force, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, said the dual operations disrupted the supply chains of criminal networks and protected the livelihoods of local citizens.

In Zamfara State, troops deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda intercepted a civilian vehicle traveling toward Shinkafi local government area.

According to him, during a search of the vehicle, the officers uncovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and a large cache of ammunition hidden inside a sack of millet.

The 42-year-old suspect and driver of the vehicle, identified as Mustapha Abubakar, was immediately arrested.

Military investigators believe he is a regular arms courier supplying terrorists within the region, and efforts are currently underway to track down his accomplices.

In a separate operation in Kaduna State, troops responded to a distress call from a local herder in the Chikun local government area.

The troops mobilised and ambushed the rustlers along their escape route, after a fierce gun battle under heavy military pressure, the armed criminals abandoned the livestock and fled into the surrounding bush.

A total of 53 rustled cattle were recovered during the encounter and have since been returned to their rightful owner.

The Theatre Command lauded the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and resilience in the field.

They also urged members of the public to maintain strong partnership with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help restore lasting peace and stability to the region.