Zamfara: Troops intercept 180 explosives, neutralize terrorists

On August 15, 2026, troops of the Joint Task Force North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, intercepted 180 explosive materials allegedly en route to suspected terrorists in Zamfara State. Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, reported the incident. During a routine vehicle inspection, Sector 2 troops apprehended Sani Umar, a 57-year-old suspect, who was transporting the explosives from Gusau to Jibia in Katsina State.

The suspect, his vehicle, and the explosives were subsequently taken into custody for further examination.

In a separate operation later that same day, troops engaged in offensive clearance around Garin Kaso in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, where they neutralized two terrorists. The troops also recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition, and two motorcycles. Another group of terrorists attempted to ambush the troops from concealed positions, but were repelled, resulting in further casualties among the attackers, according to initial reports from nearby communities. The exact number of casualties from the ambush was still under investigation.

The Theatre Command emphasized that these operations aimed to exert pressure on terrorist groups and disrupt their supply networks of weapons, explosives, and other resources. The command expressed determination to maintain the momentum of ongoing operations and to continue denying terrorists and other criminal elements the ability to operate freely across the North West region.