Soldiers arrest suspected terrorist collaborator in Kaduna, destroy explosives in Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kaduna State, destroyed three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Zamfara State and recovered 73 livestock abandoned by fleeing terrorists.

The operations were conducted on Thursday, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

Danja said troops of Sector 1, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspect, Yusuf Adamu, at Kuyello in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect allegedly participated in terrorist activities, including recording a video of a female kidnap victim who was allegedly sexually assaulted by terrorists to facilitate a ransom demand.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to involvement in terrorist activities, including recording a video of a female kidnap victim who was allegedly sexually assaulted by terrorists to facilitate a ransom demand,” the statement said.

According to Danja, the suspect further alleged that the victim was subsequently killed after the ransom was delivered and that he received ₦50,000 for his role in the operation.

The military spokesman said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the alleged principal suspect, identified as Yusuf Iliya Sani, and other collaborators.

In a related development, troops of Sector 2, working alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, destroyed three IEDs planted by terrorists along the Magami–Dansadau road in Zamfara State.

Danja said the explosives were located and destroyed during a joint operation conducted on Thursday.

He added that the successful clearance operation had elicited positive reactions from residents and road users, who were expected to benefit from improved safety and freedom of movement along the route.

In another operation, troops recovered 73 livestock allegedly rustled by terrorists between Kombo and Gurusu villages in Zamfara State.

The operation followed intelligence reports about the movement of terrorists with rustled animals in the area.

According to the statement, troops swiftly deployed to the location and engaged the suspected terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon the livestock.

“The recovered animals comprised 14 camels, 19 cows and 40 sheep,” Danja said.

He added that the troops, working alongside local vigilantes, moved the recovered animals to a secure location for further action.

The military said the operations demonstrated its commitment to dismantling terrorist support networks, eliminating explosive threats and protecting lives and property across the North-West.

It urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information about suspicious persons, movements and objects to the nearest security formation to support ongoing military operations.