Troops arrest suspected arms courier, recover over 1,000 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara

Crime Diary

GUSAU, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered a large cache of ammunition during separate operations in Zamfara and Kaduna states.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations also led to the recovery of 53 rustled cattle and disrupted criminal activities across the North-West region.

The statement said troops of Sector 2, deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, intercepted a civilian vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area on June 5, 2026.

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A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack containing millet.

Military authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, who is alleged to be involved in the illegal transportation of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the region.

The suspect was taken into custody, while the recovered items were secured for further investigation.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the ammunition was being transported to an accomplice, with efforts ongoing to track down other members of the suspected criminal network.

In a separate operation on June 3, troops of Sector 1 successfully foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a distress call from a herder whose livestock had been stolen by armed criminals.

Acting on the information, troops deployed along the suspected escape route and intercepted the rustlers as they attempted to move the stolen animals out of the area.

The ensuing exchange forced the criminals to abandon the cattle and flee into nearby bushes under military pressure.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 53 cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owner.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the successful missions underscore ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks, combat banditry and protect communities across the North-West.

The military task force commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and resilience and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations in the region.