Troops intercept suspected terrorist supplier in Katsina

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier and recovered four new motorcycles and 450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Katsina State.

The operation followed intelligence received about suspicious movement along the Gurbi–Zurmi route linking Katsina and Zamfara states.

Military sources said the troops mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation, during which they intercepted a commercial utility truck allegedly attempting to bypass security protocols.

“A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of four brand-new motorcycles concealed in sealed packages, apparently to evade detection,” the sources added.

The troops also found 15 jerrycans containing 30 litres of PMS each. The fuel was reportedly hidden among containers of vegetable and palm oil in an attempt to conceal the consignment.

The driver, identified as Mallam Abbas Umoru, was arrested and is being held by the military for questioning.

Initial investigations suggest that the items were allegedly being transported to terrorist hideouts around the Katsina-Zamfara border.

The military said the operation disrupted the supply network of terrorist groups in the area, particularly their access to motorcycles and fuel, which are believed to support their operations.

The suspect and the recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue into other people linked to the alleged logistics network and their connections to terrorist groups operating in the region.