Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics supplier with N5.302 million in cash and defused an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along a major road in Zamfara State.
The operations, conducted on August 7, also forced terrorists to flee during separate encounters in Zurmi, Birnin Magaji and Shinkafi local government areas of the state.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt-Col Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement.
According to him, troops of Sector 2, working with the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to a report of a suspected IED near Jabanda village in Zurmi Local Government Area.
He said the team located and cleared the device before scanning the road and declaring it safe for motorists.
Danja said that while returning from the operation, the troops encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area and engaged them.
He said the terrorists were forced to withdraw into the bush, adding that a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.
In Shinkafi Local Government Area, the spokesman said troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with the Mobile Police Squadron, acted on credible intelligence about terrorist activities around Kwanar Jolof.
“Troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,” he said.
A follow-up search of the area, according to him, resulted in the recovery of a motorcycle, a pair of camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat, among other items.
Danja further disclosed that troops on patrol near Maradun intercepted a 35-year-old suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier, identified as Lawali Dan Alo.
He said a search of the suspect’s bag, which he claimed contained food items, led to the discovery of N5.302 million in cash and a mobile phone.
“Preliminary interrogation showed the suspect was allegedly delivering the funds on behalf of a terrorist leader to another individual, Kasimu Garba, who was arrested at his residence,” the statement said.
The spokesman said both suspects were in custody and would be subjected to further investigation.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response during the operations.
It said aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and targeted actions against terrorist networks would continue across the North-West region.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.
