Troops Recover N5.3m, Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators and recovered N5.3 million allegedly being transported as logistics support for terrorists in Zamfara State.

The operation was part of separate military actions conducted across the state on Friday, August 7, 2026, which also disrupted terrorist movements, recovered military-related items and neutralised an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along a major road.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

According to him, troops of Sector 2, working with a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to a report of a suspected IED near Jabanda village in Zurmi Local Government Area.

He said the security team located and cleared the device, scanned the road and reopened it to motorists after declaring it safe.

On their return from the operation, the troops encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area.

The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee into the bush, while a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.

In another operation in Shinkafi Local Government Area, troops working alongside the Mobile Police Squadron acted on intelligence about terrorist activity around Kwanar Jolof.

The troops engaged the terrorists with what the military described as superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw.

A follow-up search resulted in the recovery of a motorcycle, two camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest, a jungle hat and other items.

The task force also intercepted a suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier during a patrol near Maradun.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Lawali Dan Alo, was arrested after troops searched his bag, which he had claimed contained food items.

According to the statement, the search uncovered 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 military said both suspects remained in custody for 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 action against terrorist networks” would continue across the North-West region.

The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information to support efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.