Troops operating under the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have intensified operations against terrorist groups in Zamfara State, disrupting their activities and making key recoveries, including more than N5.3 million in cash.
The operations, carried out on Friday in different parts of the state, also led to the discovery and clearance of an Improvised Explosive Device planted along a route near Jabanda village in Zurmi Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the JTF Media Information Officer, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, said troops from Sector 2, supported by a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, were deployed after receiving information about the suspected explosive device.
The team located and safely cleared the IED before scanning the road and reopening it to motorists.
Danja said the troops subsequently encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area while returning from the operation.
The troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to retreat into the surrounding bush. A follow-up search of the area resulted in the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.
In another operation around Kwanar Jolof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, Sector 2 troops, working alongside personnel of the Mobile Police Squadron, confronted terrorists following intelligence on their activities in the area.
The terrorists were forced to flee after troops brought superior firepower to bear. A search conducted afterwards led to the recovery of another motorcycle, two camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat.
Meanwhile, troops conducting patrols around Maradun intercepted a 35-year-old suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier identified as Lawali Dan Alo.
Danja said a search of Dan Alo’s bag, which he claimed contained food, 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,” Danja said.
The two suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
The Theatre Command praised the troops for their vigilance and swift response, saying intelligence-led operations, patrols and targeted actions against terrorist networks would be sustained across the North-West.
It also appealed to residents to remain alert and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
