Troops arrest terror suspect, destroy bombs in Zamfara

Nkereuwem Effiong

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 allegedly abandoned by fleeing terrorists.

The operations were conducted on Thursday, according to a statement issued on Friday by the operation’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

Danja said troops of Sector 1 arrested Yusuf Adamu at Kuyello in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State following credible intelligence.

He said preliminary interrogation indicated that Adamu 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.

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

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

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, working with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, destroyed three IEDs planted along the Magami–Dansadau road.

Danja said the explosives were located and destroyed during a joint operation on Thursday, adding that the clearance had improved safety for residents and road users along the route.

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

The operation followed intelligence reports that suspected terrorists were moving through the area with stolen animals. Troops deployed to the location and engaged the suspects, forcing them to flee and abandon the livestock.

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

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

The military said the operations formed part of efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, eliminate explosive threats and protect lives and property across the North-West.

It urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious persons, movements and objects to the nearest security formation.