Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted a suspected courier allegedly transporting explosives intended for terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-West.
According to the Punch, the suspect, identified as Sani Umar, was apprehended during routine vehicle checks conducted by troops of Sector 2 on Friday in Zamfara State.
Military authorities disclosed that a search of the suspect’s vehicle led to the recovery of 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives. The explosives were reportedly being transported from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State to suspected terrorist elements in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
In a statement shared by the Nigerian Army on its official X account, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, confirmed that the suspect, the vehicle and the recovered explosives have been taken into custody while investigations continue.
The Punch further reported that the interception coincided with ongoing military offensives against suspected terrorists in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area. During the operation, troops engaged armed terrorists in a gun battle around Garin Kaso, where two suspected terrorists were killed.
Security forces also recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles during the operation.
According to the military, another group of armed terrorists later attempted to ambush the troops from concealed positions but was successfully repelled. While the exact number of casualties from the encounter has not been confirmed, local sources reportedly indicated that fleeing terrorists evacuated several wounded fighters and the bodies of some of those killed.
The military said the latest operations underscore the sustained offensive campaign of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which continues to target terrorist hideouts as well as the supply chains used to transport weapons and explosives across the North-West.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal groups and disrupting terrorist activities throughout the region.
READ MORE:
