The Nigerian Army has arrested a 57-year-old man suspected of transporting explosives to terrorist elements operating in the North-West.
The suspect, identified as Sani Umar, was intercepted by troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, during a routine vehicle check in Zamfara State.
The operation was carried out on Friday, August 14, 2026, by troops of Sector 2.
According to the military, a search of Umar’s vehicle led to the recovery of 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives.
Umar was allegedly transporting the explosives from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara to suspected terrorist elements in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Nigerian Army said the suspect, his vehicle and the recovered explosives were taken into custody for further investigation.
The arrest occurred as troops were also conducting offensive operations against terrorist groups in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara.
During an encounter around Garin Kaso, troops engaged suspected terrorists in a gun battle, killing two of them.
The soldiers also recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles from the area.
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The military said another group of terrorists later attempted to ambush the troops from concealed positions but was repelled.
Several terrorists were reportedly wounded during the confrontation, while fleeing members of the group allegedly evacuated some of their wounded colleagues and bodies.
The Army said the operations were part of efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent the movement of weapons and explosives across the North-West.
It added that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would sustain its offensive operations to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action in the region.
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