Troops Intercept Suspected Explosives Courier, Recover 180 Units in Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted a suspected arms and explosives courier and recovered 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives during ongoing operations in Zamfara State.

The Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 intercepted the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Sani Umar, during routine snap checks on August 14.

A search of his vehicle reportedly uncovered the explosives, which were allegedly being transported from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State to Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State for delivery to suspected terrorist elements.

Umar, his vehicle and the recovered explosives have been placed in custody as investigations continue.

The interception occurred on the same day troops conducted offensive clearance operations against terrorists in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara.

During the operation, troops encountered terrorists around Garin Kaso and killed two, while recovering two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles.

The military said another group of terrorists later attempted to ambush the troops from concealed positions. The soldiers reportedly repelled the attack and inflicted additional casualties, forcing the surviving terrorists to withdraw.

Although the exact number of casualties from the second encounter could not be immediately established, reports from communities in the area indicated that fleeing terrorists evacuated wounded members and the bodies of those killed during the clashes.

The military described the operations as part of its sustained offensive against terrorist groups and their logistics networks across the North-West.

The Theatre Command said it would maintain pressure on terrorist enclaves and continue efforts to disrupt the supply of weapons, explosives and other resources used to carry out attacks.