TROOPS of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted a suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier with N5.302 million in cash while also defusing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along a major road in Zamfara State.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt-Col Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the operations were conducted on August 7 in separate locations across the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the operations also saw troops engage suspected terrorists in Zurmi, Birnin Magaji and Shinkafi Local Government Areas, forcing them to abandon their positions and flee into surrounding bushes.
According to Danja, troops of Sector 2, working alongside the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, responded to intelligence about a suspected IED planted near Jabanda village in Zurmi Local Government Area.
He said the team successfully located and cleared the explosive device before thoroughly scanning the route and declaring it safe for motorists and other road users.
While returning from the operation, the troops reportedly encountered suspected terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, leading to an exchange of fire.
Danja said the troops’ superior response forced the terrorists to withdraw into the bush, while a subsequent search of the area resulted in the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.
In Shinkafi Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2, working with personnel of the Mobile Police Squadron, also acted on credible intelligence regarding terrorist activities around Kwanar Jolof.
“Troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,” Danja said.
He added that a follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of a motorcycle, a pair of camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest, a jungle hat and other items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Meanwhile, troops conducting a patrol near Maradun intercepted a 35-year-old suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier identified as Lawali Dan Alo.
According to the statement, a search of Dan Alo’s bag, which he reportedly 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,” the statement said.
Danja said both suspects remain in custody and would be subjected to further investigation to establish the extent of their alleged involvement in terrorist logistics and financing.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response during the operations, stressing that intelligence-led operations and aggressive patrols would continue across the North-West.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and restore lasting peace across the region.