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According to the military, two suspected terrorists were killed during the encounter, while troops recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition, and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the insurgents.
KaNo —
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted a suspected courier conveying explosives to terrorist elements in Zamfara State, in what the military described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt insurgent logistics networks in the region.
The interception occurred on Friday during routine snap checks conducted by troops of Sector 2.
The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Sani Umar, was reportedly transporting 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State to Jibia Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State, where the materials were believed to be destined for terrorist groups.
In a statement posted on Saturday via its official X handle, the Nigerian Army, through the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, confirmed that the explosives were recovered following a thorough search of the suspect’s vehicle.
“The suspect, vehicle and recovered explosives are currently in custody for further investigation,” the statement said, adding that the operation underscores the military’s intensified surveillance and interdiction of criminal supply chains across the North West.
The army further disclosed that the interception coincided with offensive operations targeting terrorist enclaves in Zamfara State.
Troops engaged suspected terrorists in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, particularly around Garin Kaso, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
Troops Kill Two Terrorists
According to the military, two suspected terrorists were killed during the encounter, while troops recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition, and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the insurgents.
In a related development, another group of terrorists reportedly attempted to ambush the troops from concealed positions shortly after the initial engagement.
However, the ambush was successfully repelled, with troops inflicting further casualties on the attackers.
Although the exact number of casualties from the second encounter was not immediately confirmed, the military said intelligence gathered from local communities indicated that several wounded terrorists, along with the bodies of their dead colleagues, were evacuated by fleeing members of the group.
The military noted that these coordinated operations demonstrate the sustained offensive posture of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which continues to target both active terrorist formations and the logistical networks that sustain them.
“The theatre command remains committed to denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the North West,” the statement added.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Sani Uba, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the operations were part of sustained efforts to dismantle insurgent networks and secure vulnerable communities.
“In a major operational breakthrough, troops deployed at Damboa thwarted a planned Boko Haram/ISWAP attack after detecting terrorists’ movement through surveillance systems. The troops engaged the insurgents, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,” the statement said.
The military further disclosed that troops uncovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device planted along the Goniri–Ngamdu axis, a strategic route frequently targeted by insurgents.
“Recovered materials, including rail tracks used to canalise vehicles into a killing zone, highlight ongoing terrorist efforts to disrupt movement along critical routes,” the statement noted.
Troops Intensify Efforts To Dismantle Terrorists Logistics Supply
In addition to combat operations, troops intensified efforts to dismantle the logistics networks supplying insurgents with essential materials. The task force reported intercepting vehicles conveying large quantities of supplies suspected to be destined for terrorist groups.
The consignments, equivalent to two truckloads, were concealed in sacks and included cartons of medical drugs, motorcycle tubes and tyres, mosquito nets, rolls of mats, air filter cylinders, and detergents.
According to the military, the items were being transported without proper clearance towards a border community near Chad. The vehicles and suspects have since been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
Security forces also recorded multiple arrests linked to terrorist logistics operations. Troops, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, apprehended a suspected logistics supplier, Mohammed Adamu, aged 26, at Muna Garage.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had been supplying motorcycle parts and other materials to insurgents over an extended period.
In separate operations, 13 additional suspects were arrested in Gubio, while two others reportedly confessed to long-term involvement in supporting terrorist logistics networks.
The task force also announced the arrest of a suspected member of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and ISWAP group, identified as Abubakar Ali, also known as “Saina,” who was apprehended at a checkpoint while allegedly on a reconnaissance mission.
Furthermore, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper in Damboa Local Government Area and recovered 450 wraps of suspected marijuana during clearance operations in parts of the state.
The Military High Command commended troops for their resilience, vigilance, and professionalism, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo in order to consolidate gains and restore stability across affected regions.
“These successes reflect the determination of our troops to dismantle terrorist networks and ensure the safety of citizens,” the statement added.
President Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment To End Insecurity
The recent operations come as President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling evolving security threats across the country.
Tinubu gave the assurance during the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasised the importance of adopting modern technologies and strengthening the capacity of the armed forces.
“My administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary threats through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces, thereby improving operational planning and combat readiness,” he said.
As military operations intensify across multiple theatres, security experts say sustained pressure on both insurgents and their supply chains will be critical to achieving long-term peace and stability in the country.
