Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have intercepted three disassembled canoes allegedly procured by notorious terrorist leader, Shehu Bagewaye, to aid the movement of his fighters in Zamfara State.
The interception was announced in a statement on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, credible intelligence indicated that the terrorist kingpin had arranged for the canoes to be procured from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State and transported into Zamfara.
The canoes were intended to help the terrorists cross riverine areas and bypass obstacles limiting their mobility for attacks on vulnerable communities.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 conducted a covert operation on August 23, 2026, along identified routes and intercepted the three disassembled canoes while in transit.
“The individuals conveying the items abandoned them and fled upon sighting the troops,” the statement said. The recovered canoes are currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track those linked to the attempted movement.
Lt. Col. Danja said the operation reflects the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven actions by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist logistics and deny criminal elements resources that enhance their operational reach.
“The Joint Task Force remains committed to taking the fight to the terrorists by identifying and disrupting their networks, logistics and freedom of movement before they can threaten communities,” he added.
The JTF urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, noting that such cooperation is critical to safeguarding lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA is the military’s ongoing campaign against banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities in the North West region.
