Troops Intercept 3 Canoes Linked to Terrorist Kingpin in Zamfara
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three disassembled canoes allegedly procured by notorious terrorist kingpin Shehu Bagewaye to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas of Zamfara State.
The operation was carried out on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following intelligence that the canoes had been procured from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State and were being transported to Zamfara.
According to the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the canoes were intended to help the terrorists navigate river obstacles and improve their mobility for criminal activities against communities.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 conducted a covert operation in an identified area and intercepted the three canoes while they were being transported to their intended destination.
The individuals conveying the items reportedly abandoned them and fled after sighting the troops.
The recovered canoes have since been taken into military custody, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted movement.
The Joint Task Force said the interception was part of its intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics and denying criminal elements the resources needed to expand their operational reach.
It added that the operation highlights the importance of timely and credible intelligence in identifying and disrupting terrorist supply networks before they can be deployed against communities.
The task force reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal networks by targeting their logistics, movements and operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains crucial to preventing terrorist activities and protecting lives and property.
