Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt another blow to criminal networks operating in Zamfara State, arresting two suspected terrorists during a late-night operation and recovering a cache of weapons, ammunition and military-style equipment.

The suspects were intercepted in the early hours of Monday by soldiers of the 1 Brigade Combat Team 2, operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Kaura Namoda, during a routine fighting patrol aimed at flushing out armed groups and disrupting their activities.

Military authorities identified the suspects as Jabiru Hassan, 25, and Umaru Bello, 23, both natives of Ilela village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to the Army, the operation unfolded at about 1:50 a.m. when troops encountered the suspects under circumstances that raised suspicion, leading to their arrest and a subsequent search.

What followed was a significant recovery that security officials believe could provide fresh intelligence into criminal activities in the region.

Among the items recovered were an AK-47 rifle, a locally made Dane gun, two rifle magazines and 55 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, alongside 18 cartridges for the locally fabricated firearm.

Troops also seized a motorcycle believed to have been used for movement, two Baofeng communication radio sets, a mobile phone, two MP3 players, a camouflage vest, two jungle hats, a handbag and N44,500 in cash.

Military sources say the assortment of items suggests a level of operational coordination that investigators are now seeking to understand.

In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Yusuf Mohammed, the Army disclosed that an initial examination of one of the suspects’ mobile phones uncovered photographs and video files considered potentially valuable to ongoing intelligence efforts.

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According to the statement, security agencies are currently analysing the materials to determine their authenticity and establish whether they have any connection to terrorist activities or criminal operations within Zamfara and surrounding areas.

The Army noted that the arrest underscores the effectiveness of its ongoing patrols and intelligence-driven operations designed to restrict the movement of terrorists, bandits and other armed groups operating across the state.

Officials said the operation forms part of broader efforts to deny criminal elements safe havens and freedom of movement in areas affected by insecurity.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Acting Commander of the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Colonel J. Umaru, praised the troops for their alertness and professionalism.

He commended the soldiers for maintaining a high level of vigilance and encouraged them to sustain the momentum of ongoing offensives against criminal groups threatening communities across the state.

The commander reiterated the Army’s determination to continue pursuing terrorists and other violent actors, stressing that security forces remain committed to safeguarding lives, protecting property and supporting broader efforts to restore lasting peace in Zamfara.

The latest arrest comes amid intensified military operations across the North-West, where security agencies have stepped up intelligence gathering, patrols and targeted offensives aimed at dismantling armed networks responsible for attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes.

With investigations ongoing, security authorities believe the evidence recovered from the suspects could provide crucial leads in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the region.