Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Dealer, Recovers 1,000 Rounds Of Ammunition, 53 Rustled Cattle

Troops Intercept Suspected Arms DealTroops of Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded what the military described as “significant operational successes” in separate operations across the North-West region, leading to the arrest of a suspected arms courier, the recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the recovery of dozens of rustled cattle.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and shared on the official Facebook page of the Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, intercepted a vehicle heading towards Shinkafi Local Government Area on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The military said a thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack containing millet.

“On 5 June 2026, troops of Sector 2 OPFY deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda intercepted a civilian vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. During a thorough search of the vehicle, the troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack containing millet, among other items,” the statement read.

The Army identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, alleging that he was involved in the illegal transportation of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating within the region.

“Further examination revealed that the recovered weapons and ammunition were allegedly being transported by a 42-year-old suspect identified as Mustapha Abubakar, who is believed to be involved in the illegal movement of arms and ammunition to terrorists operating within the region.

“The suspect was immediately taken into custody, while all recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation,” the military stated.

The statement added that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was on his way to deliver the recovered items to an accomplice, prompting efforts by security operatives to track down other members of the criminal network.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was en route to deliver the items to an accomplice. Consequently, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network,” it added.

In a separate operation, troops of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA foiled an attempted cattle rustling attack in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on June 3, 2026.

The Army said the operation followed a distress call from a local herder whose cattle had been stolen by armed criminals.

“In a related development, troops of Sector 1 OPFY on 3 June 2026 successfully foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a distress call from a local herder whose cattle had been rustled by armed criminals,” the statement said.

The military explained that troops swiftly mobilised and positioned themselves along the suspected escape route used by the rustlers.

“Acting swiftly on the information, the troops mobilised and positioned along the suspected escape route of the rustlers. During the operation, troops encountered the criminals as they attempted to move the stolen livestock out of the area.

“The ensuing firefight forced the rustlers to abandon the cattle and flee into nearby bushes under intense military pressure,” the statement noted.

According to the Army, the operation resulted in the successful recovery of 53 cattle, which were later returned to their owner.

“The operation led to the successful recovery of 53 cattle, which were subsequently handed over to their rightful owner,” it said.

The military said the twin operations underscored the continued efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to weaken terrorist and criminal networks, cut off the supply of arms and ammunition to bandits and terrorists, and safeguard the livelihoods of residents across the North-West.

“The successful operations highlight the sustained efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in degrading terrorists and criminal networks, disrupting the supply of arms and ammunition to terrorists and bandits, and protecting the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens across the North-West region,” the statement read.

The Theatre Command also praised the troops for what it described as their “vigilance, professionalism and resilience” and called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

“The Theatre Command commends the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and resilience, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

“Such support remains vital to ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the theatre,” the statement added.