Taskforce intercepts suspected arms dealer, recovers ammunition in Kaduna

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have achieved significant operational successes across the region by arresting a suspected arms courier, recovering a large cache of ammunition, and preventing a cattle rustling attempt in Kaduna State.
According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, these successes were accomplished in separate operations within the North-West theater.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja reported that troops of Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, stationed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, intercepted a civilian vehicle headed toward Shinkafi Local Government Area on June 5, 2026.
During a detailed search of the vehicle, the soldiers discovered a locally made pistol, a magazine, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition hidden inside a sack of millet, among other items.
Further investigation revealed that the weapons and ammunition were allegedly being transported by a 42-year-old man named Mustapha Abubakar. He is believed to be involved in illegally moving arms to terrorists operating in the area.
The suspect was promptly taken into custody, and all recovered items were secured for further investigation, the Media Information Officer said.
Initial findings suggest that Mustapha Abubakar was traveling to deliver the items to an accomplice, Lieutenant Colonel Danja disclosed. He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
In a related incident, troops of Sector 1 Operation Fansan Yamma thwarted an attempted cattle rustling in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on June 3, 2026, following a distress call from a local herder.
Acting quickly on the report, the troops mobilized and took positions along the suspected escape route of the rustlers.
During the operation, the soldiers faced the criminals as they tried to move stolen livestock out of the area. A firefight erupted, forcing the rustlers to abandon the cattle and flee into nearby bushes under intense military pressure.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 53 cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owner, Lieutenant Colonel Danja confirmed.
The Media Information Officer stated that these successful operations highlight the ongoing efforts of Operation Fansan Yamma to weaken terrorist and criminal networks across the North-West.
He emphasized that the troops are disrupting the supply of arms and ammunition to terrorists and bandits while also safeguarding the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens in the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and resilience during the missions.
The Theater Command, through the Media Information Officer, called on the public to continue providing timely and reliable information to security agencies.
He stressed that community support is crucial to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace, security, and stability across the North-West.