By Odita Sunday
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have disrupted terrorist logistics and neutralised an improvised explosive device in separate operations across Zamfara State.
The operations, conducted on August 7, also led to the arrest of two suspected terrorist collaborators and the recovery of motorcycles, military accoutrements, communication equipment and more than N5.3 million in cash.
In a statement on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said troops of Sector 2, working with the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to a report of a suspected IED near Jabanda village in Zurmi Local Government Area.
He said the team located and cleared the device, subsequently scanning the road and reopening it to motorists after it was declared safe.
According to him, troops returning from the operation encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area and engaged them, forcing the terrorists to flee into the bush.
He said a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.
Similarly, troops operating in Shinkafi Local Government Area, in collaboration with the Mobile Police Squadron, acted on credible intelligence regarding terrorist activities around Kwanar Jolof.
Danja said the troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
He added that a follow-up search resulted in the recovery of a motorcycle, two camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat, among other items.
In another development, troops on patrol near Maradun intercepted a 35-year-old suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier, identified as Lawali Dan Alo.
Danja said a search of the suspect’s bag, which he claimed contained food items, 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,” he said.
The two suspects, according to the statement, are currently in custody for further investigation.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response, assuring that aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and targeted actions against terrorist networks would continue across the North-west.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.
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