*Foil cattle rustling in Kaduna

Troops of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded significant operational gains across Zamfara and Kaduna States, intercepting a suspected arms courier, recovering a large cache of ammunition, and foiling a cattle rustling attempt.

Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, announced this in a statement on Friday.

Col. Danja said: “On 5 June 2026, troops of Sector 2, deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, stopped a civilian vehicle heading towards Shinkafi Local Government Area.

“A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of millet.

“The suspect, 42-year-old Mustapha Abubakar, was immediately arrested after preliminary findings indicated he was allegedly conveying the items for onward delivery to an accomplice linked to terrorist elements operating in the area.

“The exhibits were recovered and secured, while investigations continue to track other members of the suspected network”.

In a separate operation on 3 June 2026, the military spokesman said troops of Sector 1 foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State after receiving a distress call from a herder whose livestock had been taken by armed criminals.

He said the troops acting on the information, swiftly moved in and blocked possible escape routes.

According to him, the troops later made contact with the rustlers as the suspects tried to move the stolen cattle out of the area.

“Under pressure, the criminals abandoned the animals and fled into nearby bushes.

“A total of 53 cattle were recovered and handed over to the rightful owner.

The theatre command said the two operations reflect sustained efforts to disrupt criminal logistics networks, deny armed groups freedom of action, and protect livelihoods across the North-West.

The command commended the troops for their vigilance, discipline and rapid response, while urging residents to continue supporting ongoing operations with timely and credible intelligence.