Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recovered N5.3 million and military accoutrements during separate operations against terrorists in Zamfara State.

The operations, conducted on Friday, also led to the arrest of two suspected terrorist collaborators, recovery of motorcycles and the clearance of an improvised explosive device (IED) from a major road.

In a statement on Saturday, Aliyu Danja, media information officer of the task force, said troops of Sector 2, alongside a police explosive ordnance disposal team, responded to a report of a suspected IED near Jabanda village in Zurmi LGA.

Danja said the team located and cleared the device, scanned the road and reopened it to motorists after it was declared safe.

“Returning from the operation, the troops encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village, Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, and engaged them, forcing a withdrawal into the bush,” the statement reads.

“Exploitation of the general area led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.”

In Shinkafi LGA, Danja said troops working with the mobile police squadron acted on intelligence about terrorist activity around Kwanar Jolof.

He said the troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw.

A follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of a motorcycle, two camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat, among other items.

Danja said troops on patrol near Maradun also intercepted a suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier identified as 35-year-old Lawali Dan Alo.

“A search of his bag, which he had claimed held food items, turned up over Five Million Naira (₦5.302 million) in cash and a mobile phone,” he said.

“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. Both suspects are in custody for further investigation.”

The task force commended the troops for their vigilance and prompt response, adding that aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and targeted actions against terrorist networks would continue across the North-West.

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