- Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have cleared an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from a major road in Zamfara State, disrupted suspected terrorist logistics activities and recovered items capable of supporting terrorist mobility and field operations.
The operation took place around Jabanda village in Zurmi Local Government Area, where troops, working with a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to a suspected IED.
A statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the device was located and neutralised, after which the road was scanned, declared safe and reopened to motorists.
The operation subsequently developed into a wider security engagement. While returning from the IED clearance mission, the troops encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area and forced them to withdraw into the bush.
A follow-up search led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.
A similar operation was conducted in Shinkafi Local Government Area, where troops of Sector 2, supported by the Mobile Police Squadron, acted on intelligence concerning terrorist activity around Kwanar Jolof.
The terrorists were engaged and forced to withdraw, while a subsequent search resulted in the recovery of a motorcycle, camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat.
The operations also targeted the financial and logistical networks supporting terrorist activities.
During a patrol near Maradun, troops intercepted 35-year-old Lawali Dan Alo, identified as a suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics vendor. More than N5.3 million in cash was recovered from his bag after a search contradicted his initial claim that it contained food items.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly linked the money to a terrorist leader and an intended recipient identified as Kasimu Garba, who was subsequently arrested at his residence.
Both suspects remain in custody for further investigation.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response, while reiterating that intelligence-led operations, aggressive patrols and targeted disruption of terrorist networks would continue across the North-West.
