Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover AK-47, Ammunition in Zamfara

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade have arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and communication equipment during a night patrol in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation was conducted in the early hours of August 25, 2026, by troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 2 operating from the Forward Operating Base, FOB Kaura Namoda.

According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, Yusuf Mohammed, the troops encountered and apprehended the suspects at about 1:50 a.m. during the fighting patrol.

The suspects were identified as 25-year-old Jabiru Hassan and 23-year-old Umaru Bello, both reportedly from Ilela Village in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.

Items recovered from them included one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated Dane gun, two rifle magazines, 55 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 18 cartridges for the Dane gun.

The troops also recovered a motorcycle, two Baofeng radio sets, a mobile phone, two MP3 players, a camouflage vest, two jungle hats, a handbag and N44,500 in cash.

The Army said preliminary examination of the suspects’ mobile phone revealed photographs and video materials considered potentially incriminating and of intelligence value.

It said the materials are undergoing further verification and exploitation by the appropriate authorities to determine their relevance and possible links to terrorist activities in the area.

The Army described the operation as another setback for criminal elements operating in the area, attributing the success to sustained fighting patrols, intelligence-led operations and the continued deployment of troops across vulnerable locations.

The Acting Commander of 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Colonel J. Umaru, commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and professionalism.

He charged personnel to sustain the tempo of offensive operations and remain resolute in denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.

Colonel Umaru also reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property and supporting efforts to restore lasting peace and security across Zamfara State.