….IED Defused on Major Road as Soldiers Raid Terrorist Hideouts, Arrest Two Suspected Collaborators
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dealt fresh blows to terrorist activities in Zamfara State, disrupting logistics operations, recovering military-style gear and motorcycles, and safely neutralising an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along a major road.
The latest operations, conducted on August 7, 2026, across several local government areas of the state, also resulted in the arrest of two suspected terrorist collaborators, including an alleged logistics vendor found carrying more than ₦5.3 million in cash.
In Zurmi Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2, working alongside personnel of the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded swiftly to information about a suspected IED near Jabanda village.
The security team located and safely cleared the device before thoroughly scanning the road and declaring the route safe for motorists.
However, while returning from the operation, the troops reportedly encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area.
The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their position and flee into the surrounding bush.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items believed to be linked to the terrorists.
In another operation in Shinkafi Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2, supported by personnel of the Mobile Police Squadron, acted on credible intelligence regarding terrorist activity around Kwanar Jolof.
The troops confronted the terrorists and brought superior firepower to bear, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
During a follow-up search of the area, troops recovered a motorcycle, two camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest, a jungle hat and other items.
The biggest breakthrough came near Maradun, where troops on patrol intercepted a suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier identified as 35-year-old Lawali Dan Alo.
According to the Joint Task Force, Dan Alo was stopped while carrying a bag which he claimed contained food items.
A search of the bag, however, allegedly uncovered cash amounting to ₦5.302 million and a mobile phone.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspect was allegedly transporting the money on behalf of a terrorist leader to another individual identified as Kasimu Garba.
Garba was subsequently arrested at his residence, while both suspects were taken into custody for further investigation.
The latest operations underline the increasing focus of Operation FANSAN YAMMA on dismantling the networks that sustain terrorist activities, particularly through logistics, financing and movement of supplies.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response during the operations, stressing that intelligence-led operations, aggressive patrols and targeted actions against terrorist networks would continue across the North West.
The Command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace across the region.
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