Troops Arrest Suspected Arms Courier, Recover Over 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition in Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered a large cache of ammunition in Zamfara State, while also foiling a cattle rustling operation in Kaduna State.

The successful operations were disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

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

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 of millet and other items.

Military authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, who was allegedly transporting the weapons and ammunition to criminal elements operating within the region.

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

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was on his way to deliver the items to an accomplice believed to be linked to terrorist and bandit networks operating in the North-West.

Security agencies have since launched efforts to track down and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.

In a separate operation, troops of Sector 1 successfully thwarted an attempted cattle rustling incident in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on June 3, following a distress call from a local herder.

The military said armed criminals had stolen cattle belonging to the herder, prompting troops to mobilise and position themselves along the suspected escape routes of the rustlers.

The troops reportedly encountered the suspects while they were attempting to move the stolen livestock out of the area.

A gun battle ensued, forcing the rustlers to abandon the animals and flee into nearby bushes under sustained military pressure.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 53 cattle, which were later returned to their rightful owner.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the successes underscore ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt terrorist and bandit activities, cut off the supply of weapons to criminal groups and protect communities across the North-West.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and resilience in carrying out their duties despite challenging operational conditions.

It also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial to ongoing efforts to restore peace, security and stability in the region.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA is one of the military’s major counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations aimed at tackling insecurity across states in Nigeria’s North-West zone.