.As DSS nabs fake officer operating with toy gun
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 10 civilians in separate operations across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
In a post on X on Thursday, the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operations were carried out as part of ongoing efforts to protect lives and secure communities across the North West.
On August 19, 2026, troops conducting a patrol in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State encountered a terrorist ambush.
The troops responded swiftly and forced the terrorists to flee the area.
“During the encounter, five civilians were rescued and subsequently reunited with their families,” the Joint Task Force said.
Two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists were also recovered.
Earlier, on August 18, troops acting on intelligence about three kidnapped victims conducted a search-and-rescue operation in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of all three victims, who were subsequently profiled and handed over to the appropriate local authorities.
Similarly, troops responded to reported terrorist activities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on August 18.
“The rapid mobilisation of the troops compelled the terrorists to flee the area, abandoning two captives,” the Joint Task Force said.
The victims, who had sustained gunshot wounds during their ordeal, were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
The Joint Task Force said efforts were ongoing to track and neutralise the fleeing terrorists.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance and swift response and reassured residents of its determination to sustain pressure on terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing operations and enhance the protection of lives and property,” it said.
In a related development, the Department of State Services has arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye for allegedly impersonating an officer of the Service and using a fake firearm to extort commuters and motorists in Abuja.
Maiye was arrested late Wednesday by DSS operatives at his hideout around NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja, following credible intelligence received by the Service.
At the time of his arrest, the suspect was allegedly dressed in a DSS tactical uniform and had a fake pistol in his possession.
A security source said the suspect had been using the uniform and weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists, and allegedly extort money from them.
The source said Maiye, who claimed to be from Agbajojun Village in the Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, told investigators that his brother was a DSS operative who died several years ago.
According to the source, the suspect identified his late brother as Monday Maiye and claimed that the DSS uniform and other items found in his possession belonged to him.
“Investigators are also trying to establish how long the suspect has been involved in similar acts of impersonation and extortion,” the source said.
The suspect remains in DSS custody and is being interrogated, while investigators are probing how he obtained the Service’s uniform and other tactical equipment.
The source said the arrest underscored its growing concern over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminal acts.
“The arrest underscores growing concerns by the Service over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminality,” the source added.
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