OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA STRIKES TERRORISTS IN ZAMFARA, INTERCEPTS AMMUNITION IN KADUNA

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have recorded fresh operational successes in Zamfara and Kaduna states, reportedly neutralising several terrorists, recovering weapons and intercepting a large quantity of ammunition during separate operations across the two states.

The operations were conducted on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as part of the military’s continuing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, restrict the movement of arms and ammunition, and prevent criminal elements from operating freely within the Joint Operations Area. The latest actions involved troops from Sectors 1 and 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma.

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 reportedly acted on intelligence concerning the movement of terrorists from the Fakai General Area towards Kwanar Jolof and Tashar Dole, locations within Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas. The soldiers subsequently positioned themselves at Kwanar Jolof, where they launched an ambush against the suspected terrorists.

According to the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops engaged the terrorists during the operation and neutralised scores of them, while others reportedly escaped from the area. The military described the action as part of its broader offensive aimed at weakening terrorist groups and disrupting their operational activities in the North-West.

Following the engagement, troops conducted an exploitation of the area and recovered a number of weapons and military-related items. The recovered materials reportedly included a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, one RPG bomb, an AK-47 rifle, six AK-47 magazines, 106 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle, among other items.

The recovery of the weapons is significant to the military's wider effort to disrupt the logistics networks that supply armed groups operating across the region. Security forces have continued to target not only fighters but also the routes and supply chains through which firearms, ammunition and other operational materials are moved between communities and terrorist enclaves.

A separate operation was also carried out in Kaduna State by troops of Sector 1. The soldiers reportedly intercepted a vehicle at a snap checkpoint along the Saulawa-Zaria Road while conducting security checks.

According to Danja, one of the passengers resisted attempts by troops to search his bag and allegedly tried to escape after being ordered to open it. The soldiers pursued the suspect and neutralised him, after which a further search of the bag allegedly revealed a substantial quantity of ammunition concealed inside garri.

The military said the search resulted in the discovery of 793 rounds of ammunition. The vehicle and its driver were subsequently taken into military custody for further investigation as authorities work to establish the origin of the ammunition, its intended destination and the network allegedly connected to its movement.

The interception has added another dimension to the operation, as the military continues to focus on arms trafficking and the movement of ammunition believed to support terrorist activities. Security agencies have repeatedly identified the disruption of logistics and supply routes as an important part of efforts to weaken armed groups.

Operation Fansan Yamma said the latest operations form part of sustained offensive actions designed to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt the circulation of arms and ammunition and deny terrorists freedom of movement within the Joint Operations Area.

The task force also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing military operations aimed at restoring peace and protecting communities affected by terrorism and other forms of violent criminality across the North-West.

While the military reported the neutralisation of the terrorists and the recovery of weapons, the claims are based on the official account of the operation. Further investigation is expected to provide additional details concerning the identities of those involved, particularly the suspected ammunition courier intercepted along the Saulawa-Zaria Road.