Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three disassembled canoes reportedly procured by a notorious terrorist kingpin, Shehu Bagewaye, as part of an alleged plan to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas of Zamfara State.
The operation, conducted on August 23, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that Bagewaye had begun arranging to procure the canoes from the Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State for onward movement into Zamfara.
According to a statement issued by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, intelligence indicated that the canoes were intended to help the terrorists overcome river obstacles restricting their movement and enhance their mobility for criminal activities against vulnerable communities.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 conducted a covert operation along identified areas of interest and intercepted the three disassembled canoes while they were being transported towards their intended destination.
The individuals conveying the items reportedly abandoned the canoes and fled after sighting the troops.
The recovered canoes have been taken into military custody, while efforts are ongoing to identify individuals involved in the attempted movement.
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The Joint Task Force described the interception as another significant intelligence-led success in its efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and deny criminal elements the resources needed to expand their operational reach.
The task force said it remained committed to identifying and disrupting terrorist networks, logistics and freedom of movement before they could pose threats to communities across the Joint Operations Area.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, stressing that public cooperation remained critical to disrupting terrorist activities and protecting lives and property.
