Zamfara: Troops Disrupt Terror Kingpin Shehu Bagewaye's Canoe Supply

The Joint Task Force North West, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, successfully seized three disassembled canoes on Sunday, August 23, 2026. These watercraft were allegedly acquired by the infamous terr*rist leader, Shehu Bagewaye, with the intent to transport his militants across riverine regions within Zamfara State. This strategic interception was executed following reliable intelligence that revealed Bagewaye's plan to obtain the canoes from Kebbi State's Yauri Local Government Area and move them into Zamfara.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, confirmed this development in a statement issued on August 23, 2026. He stated that intelligence reports had shown the canoes were meant to bypass natural river barriers that hindered the terr*rists' movement, thereby boosting their operational reach for illicit activities targeting defenceless communities.

Promptly responding to the intelligence, Sector 2 troops initiated a clandestine operation in designated areas. During this operation, they successfully intercepted the three disassembled canoes as they were being conveyed to their planned delivery point. The persons transporting these items reportedly deserted them and escaped upon detecting the presence of the troops.

The official statement detailed the operation, noting: "Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded another significant intelligence-led operational success with the interception of 3 disassembled canoes reportedly procured by notorious terr*rist leader Shehu Bagewaye to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas in Zamfara State. The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the terr*rist leader had initiated arrangements to procure canoes from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State for onward movement into Zamfara State. Intelligence further revealed that the canoes were intended to overcome river obstacles restricting the movement of the terr*rists and consequently enhance their mobility for criminal activities against vulnerable communities. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 on 23 August 2026 conducted a covert operation along identified areas of interest and successfully intercepted 3 disassembled canoes on transit towards their intended destination. The individuals conveying the items abandoned them and fled upon sighting the troops. The recovered items are currently in the custody of troops, while efforts are ongoing to track those connected with the attempted movement."

This successful interception highlights the growing efficacy of intelligence-led operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA. Such efforts are crucial in disrupting terr*rist supply chains and depriving criminal factions of the critical resources needed to improve their mobility and extend their operational capabilities. The Joint Task Force reiterated its unwavering commitment to confronting terr*rists head-on, vowing to identify and dismantle their networks, logistics, and freedom of movement before they can pose a threat to communities. The public was urged to continue offering timely and reliable information to security agencies, emphasizing that such collaboration is vital for disrupting terr*rist acts and protecting lives and assets throughout the Joint Operations Area.