Security forces have dealt a fresh blow to terrorist operations in Zamfara State after troops foiled a suspected bomb attack on a major road, intercepted an alleged terrorist logistics supplier carrying more than ₦5.3 million in cash, and forced armed fighters to flee during separate gun battles across the state.
The operations, conducted on Friday, August 7, by troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, also led to the recovery of motorcycles, military camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest, jungle hats, a handheld radio and other items suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists.
The latest offensive highlights the growing battle between security forces and armed groups operating across the North-West, with troops increasingly targeting not only fighters in the bush but also the money, transportation, communication and other logistical networks allegedly sustaining their activities.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2, working alongside a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to intelligence about a suspected improvised explosive device near Jabanda village in Zurmi Local Government Area.
The security team located the device and successfully rendered it safe before scanning the road and reopening it to motorists.
The operation was not without further danger.
As troops returned from the bomb-disposal mission, they reportedly encountered suspected terrorists around Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area.
A gun battle followed, with the military saying the troops’ response forced the armed fighters to abandon the confrontation and retreat into the surrounding bush.
A subsequent search of the area resulted in the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items believed to have been left behind by the fleeing fighters.
The military said another confrontation took place around Kwanar Jolof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, where troops, supported by the Mobile Police Squadron, acted on credible intelligence concerning terrorist activities.
The troops engaged the suspected terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
During a follow-up search, security personnel recovered a motorcycle, a pair of camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat, among other items.
The discovery of military-style clothing and communication equipment has further raised concerns about the methods allegedly being used by criminal and terrorist groups to facilitate their movements and operations in the region.
₦5.3M CASH INTERCEPTED
The most significant breakthrough, however, came during a separate patrol near Maradun.
Troops reportedly intercepted a 35-year-old man identified by the military as Lawali Dan Alo, whom they described as a suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier.
According to the military, the suspect was carrying a bag which he claimed contained food items.
A search allegedly produced ₦5.302 million in cash and a mobile phone.
The military said preliminary interrogation suggested that the money was allegedly being transported on behalf of a terrorist leader to another individual identified as Kasimu Garba.
Garba was subsequently arrested at his residence, according to the statement.
Both men remain in military custody while investigations continue.
The allegations against the suspects have not been tested in court, and their arrest does not by itself establish criminal guilt.
MILITARY VOWS TO KEEP PRESSURE ON TERRORISTS
The Theatre Command said the operations were part of sustained intelligence-led efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating across Zamfara and the wider North-West.
It commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response, promising that aggressive patrols, intelligence gathering and targeted operations would continue.
The command also appealed to residents to provide security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities.
The latest operations demonstrate that the security battle in Zamfara is increasingly being fought on multiple fronts — on major roads threatened by explosives, in forests where armed groups retreat, and along the financial and logistical channels allegedly used to keep terrorist networks operational.
For residents and motorists who depend on the affected roads, the neutralisation of the suspected IED represents more than a military success: it potentially prevented another deadly attack and allowed a major route to reopen to the public.
For the security forces, the interception of more than ₦5.3 million allegedly linked to terrorist logistics could prove equally significant if further investigations establish how the money was intended to support armed operations.
The military has vowed to sustain the offensive until terrorist groups operating across the region are deprived of the freedom, resources and support systems required to continue their activities.