The Nigerian military announced on Saturday that it has neutralised a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), while intercepting terrorist logistics suppliers with over N5.3million in cash, and recovering military camouflage items during separate operations in Zamfara State.

The military said the coordinated operations were executed by troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on August 7 across several communities in Zamfara.

It noted that the operations also disrupted terrorist movements, forced armed fighters to flee during gun battles, and led to the recovery of motorcycles, communication equipment and military accoutrements.

This was contained in a statement released on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, the troops working alongside a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team responded to intelligence about a suspected IED planted near Jabanda village in the Zurmi Local Government Area, where they successfully located and rendered the explosive device safe before reopening the road to traffic.

The military further disclosed that troops later engaged suspected terrorists at Birnin Tsaba in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area and Kwanar Jolof in the Shinkafi Local Government Area, forcing them to retreat into surrounding forests while recovering items believed to have belonged to the fleeing fighters.

The military stated the operations formed part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating across the North-West.

According to the statement, “Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), recorded fresh successes against terrorists in separate operations across Zamfara State on 7 Aug. 2026.”

It added that “The operations disrupted terrorist movements, intercepted logistics supplier, recovered military accoutrements among other items, and neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from a major road.”

The military explained that the counter-IED mission was launched after security agencies received reports of a suspicious explosive device along a major road near Jabanda village.

“In a counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) operation, troops of Sector 2 in conjunction with a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to a report of a suspected IED near Jabanda village, Zurmi Local Government Area,” the statement said.

“The team located and cleared the device, scanned the road, declared it safe and reopened to motorists.”

According to the military, troops encountered armed terrorists while returning from the operation and engaged them in a firefight.

“Returning from the operation, the troops encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village, Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, and engaged them, forcing a withdrawal into the bush.”

The statement added that, “Exploitation of the general area led to the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.”

In another operation around Kwanar Jolof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, troops working with operatives of the Mobile Police Squadron reportedly acted on credible intelligence concerning terrorist activity.

“In Shinkafi Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2, working with the Mobile Police Squadron, acted on credible intelligence about terrorist activity around Kwanar Jolof.”

“Troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.”

The military said a follow-up search of the area yielded “a motorcycle, a pair of camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat, among other items.”

The statement also detailed the arrest of an alleged terrorist logistics supplier during a patrol near Maradun.

“Troops on patrol near Maradun intercepted terrorist collaborator and logistics vendor, a 35-year-old Lawali Dan Alo.”

According to the military, “A search of his bag, which he had claimed held food items, turned up over Five Million Naira (₦5.302 million) in cash and a mobile phone.”

The military alleged that preliminary findings linked the suspect to financial support for terrorist activities.

“Preliminary interrogation showed the suspect was allegedly delivering the funds on behalf of a terrorist leader to another individual, Kasimu Garba, who was arrested at his residence.

“Both suspects are in custody for further investigation,” the statement added.

Commending the troops involved in the operations, the theatre command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the North-West.

“The Theatre Command commends the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response,” the statement said.

It added that, “aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations and targeted action against terrorist networks will continue across the North West region.”

The military also appealed to residents to support ongoing security operations by providing timely intelligence.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and share timely and credible information with security agencies in order to restore lasting peace in the region,” the statement added.