Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Dealer, Recovers 1,000 Rounds Of Ammunition, 53 Rustled Cattle
Troops Intercept Suspected Arms DealTroops of Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded what the military described as “significant operational successes” in separate operations across the North-West region, leading to the arrest of a suspected arms courier, the recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the recovery of dozens of rustled cattle.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and shared on the official Facebook page of the Nigerian Army.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, intercepted a vehicle heading towards Shinkafi Local Government Area on Friday, June 5, 2026.
The military said a thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack containing millet.
“On 5 June 2026, troops of Sector 2 OPFY deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda intercepted a civilian vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. During a thorough search of the vehicle, the troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack containing millet, among other items,” the statement read.
The Army identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, alleging that he was involved in the illegal transportation of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating within the region.
“Further examination revealed that the recovered weapons and ammunition were allegedly being transported by a 42-year-old suspect identified as Mustapha Abubakar, who is believed to be involved in the illegal movement of arms and ammunition to terrorists operating within the region.
“The suspect was immediately taken into custody, while all recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation,” the military stated.
The statement added that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was on his way to deliver the recovered items to an accomplice, prompting efforts by security operatives to track down other members of the criminal network.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was en route to deliver the items to an accomplice. Consequently, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network,” it added.
