Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested three suspected gun runners and rescued six victims during separate operations in Zamfara State.
The operations took place along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi and Anka–Gummi routes.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade, Captain Yusuf Mohammed, the suspected gun runners were arrested at about 2:05 p.m. on August 23, 2026, during a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road.
The suspects were identified as 20-year-old Lukman Sulaiman, 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both from Yar-Galadima in Dan-Sadau District, and 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, the driver of the vehicle.
Troops reportedly recovered one AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet in a Golf Wagon with registration number BMJ-143AA.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the weapon was allegedly being transported to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.
The two younger suspects reportedly claimed that an Alhaji living in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, provided money to purchase the millet used to conceal the weapon. They also allegedly said the firearm was meant to be delivered to a man identified as Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima.
The suspects, weapon, ammunition and vehicle have been taken into custody for further investigation, while troops are working to arrest Goguwa, who is allegedly linked to the firearm.
Six victims rescued
In a separate operation later that afternoon, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base, Anka, detected through surveillance cameras an attack on a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
The troops immediately moved to the location and confronted the suspected terrorists as they attempted to force the occupants of the vehicle into the bush.
The intervention reportedly forced the attackers to abandon all six victims and flee.
The victims were rescued and taken to General Hospital, Anka, for medical attention. Three of them sustained minor injuries and were said to be in stable condition.
The Army said efforts were also made to recover the vehicle involved in the incident.
The military described the operations as part of its ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics, restrict criminal activity and protect civilians travelling through vulnerable areas of Zamfara State.
Troops have also continued patrols and surveillance operations across the area to prevent terrorists from establishing freedom of movement.
