The Nigerian Army says it confiscated three disassembled canoes allegedly procured by a terrorist leader, Shehu Bagewaye, to transport his fighters across the river from Kebbi to Zamfara for the execution of their criminal activities.

The spokesman for the Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Aliyu Danja, in a statement on Sunday, said the terrorists’ logistics plan was disrupted after they fled and abandoned the canoes upon sighting the troops.

“Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded another significant intelligence-led operational success with the interception of three disassembled canoes reportedly procured by notorious terrorist leader Shehu Bagewaye to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas in Zamfara State.

“The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the terrorist 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 terrorists 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.”

Mr Danja vowed that the army will keep taking the fight to the terrorists by identifying and disrupting their networks, logistics and freedom of movement, to stop them from threatening more communities.

He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, noting that such cooperation remains critical to disrupting terrorist activities and safeguarding lives and property across the joint operations area.