Troops Intercept Canoes Procured By Terrorist Kingpin In Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three disassembled canoes reportedly procured by suspected terrorist kingpin, Shehu Bagewaye, to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas in Zamfara State.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to Danja, the operation followed credible intelligence that Bagewaye had arranged for the canoes to be procured from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State and transported to Zamfara.

He said the canoes were intended to help the terrorists overcome river obstacles restricting their movement and improve their mobility for attacks and other criminal activities against communities.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 on 23 August 2026 conducted a covert operation along identified areas of interest and successfully intercepted three disassembled canoes on transit towards their intended destination,” Danja said.

He added that the individuals transporting the canoes abandoned them and fled after sighting the troops.

“The recovered items are currently in the custody of troops, while efforts are ongoing to track those connected with the attempted movement,” he said.

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Danja said the interception demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in disrupting terrorist logistics and preventing criminal groups from expanding their operational reach.

“The Joint Task Force remains committed to taking the fight to the terrorists by identifying and disrupting their networks, logistics and freedom of movement before they can threaten communities,” he said.

The Joint Task Force urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remained essential to disrupting terrorist activities and protecting lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.