Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have arrested a suspected illicit drug peddler in Kaduna State and foiled a terrorist attack, rescuing two kidnapped victims in Sokoto State, during separate operations on 12 and 13 September 2026.
Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, confirmed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday.
Lt. Col. Danja said: “On 12 September 2026, troops of Sector 1, conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari road, intercepted one Yohana Musa in possession of a large quantity of illicit drugs and substances while en route to Birnin Gwari.
“The suspect and recovered items are currently in troops’ custody for further investigation.
He said in a separate incident on 13 September 2026, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call following a terrorist attack at Unguwan Lalle in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The military spokesman added that troops made contact with the terrorists, engaging them with firepower and forcing them to withdraw in disarray, rescuing two kidnapped victims in the process.
He said the troops, who acted on further information of terrorist regrouping attempt, swiftly mobilised to the location, where they re-established contact and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw. During exploitation, troops recovered 157 rounds of PKT ammunition and phone batteries, among other items.
The Theatre Commander commended the gallantry and professionalism of troops in sustaining these successes and remains resolute in denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.
Members of the public are urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces in support of ongoing operations.

