Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have arrested two suspected terrorist logistics operatives and recovered N5.302 million during separate operations in Zamfara State.
The arrests followed the interception of a 35-year-old suspect, Lawali Dan Alo, near Maradun while troops were on patrol.
According to military authorities, a search of his bag, which he claimed contained food items, revealed the cash and a mobile phone.
The Joint Task Force said preliminary investigations indicated that the money was allegedly being delivered on behalf of a terrorist leader to another suspect, identified as Kasimu Garba.
The second suspect was subsequently arrested at his residence, while both men remain in custody for further investigation.
In a statement on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said troops also recorded successes in other operations across the state.
He said troops of Sector 2, working with a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to reports of a suspected Improvised Explosive Device near Jabanda village in Zurmi Local Government Area.
According to Danja, the device was located and safely cleared, while the affected road was scanned and reopened to motorists.
The spokesman added that troops later encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to retreat into nearby bush areas.
A follow-up search led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.
Danja further disclosed that troops, in collaboration with the Mobile Police Squadron, acted on intelligence reports of terrorist activity around Kwanar Jolof in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
He said the troops overpowered the terrorists during the operation, leading to the recovery of a motorcycle, two camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat, among other items.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, assuring that intelligence-driven operations and patrols against terrorist networks would continue across the North-West while urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
