Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under the 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 were carried out along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi and Anka–Gummi axes of the state as security forces intensified efforts to disrupt criminal and terrorist activities in the region.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gun Runners
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, 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 reportedly from Yar-Galadima in Dan-Sadau District, and 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, who was allegedly driving the vehicle.
Troops reportedly recovered an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet.
The weapon was allegedly being transported in a Golf Wagon with registration number BMJ-143AA to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.
Investigation Underway
The Army said preliminary investigations indicated that the two younger suspects claimed an Alhaji based in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, had provided money for the purchase of the millet used to conceal the firearm.
They also allegedly told investigators that the weapon was intended for delivery to a man identified as Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima.
The suspects, weapon, ammunition and vehicle have been taken into custody as investigations continue.
Security personnel are also making efforts to locate and arrest Goguwa, who is alleged to be the intended recipient of the firearm.
Six Victims Rescued From Attack
In a separate operation later the same day, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base Anka detected an attack on a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
According to the Army, surveillance cameras detected suspected terrorists attacking the vehicle and attempting to force its occupants into the bush.
Troops immediately mobilised to the location and engaged the attackers.
The intervention reportedly disrupted the operation, forcing the suspected terrorists to abandon the six victims and flee the area.
The victims were subsequently rescued and evacuated to General Hospital Anka for medical attention.
Three of those rescued sustained minor injuries and were said to be in stable condition while receiving treatment.
Efforts were also made to recover the vehicle involved in the incident.
Army Intensifies Operations
The Nigerian Army said the latest operations demonstrate the commitment of troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupting terrorist logistics networks, restricting criminal elements and protecting civilians travelling along major routes and living in vulnerable communities.
The Army also said troops had maintained patrols and surveillance operations across the area to strengthen control of the terrain and prevent terrorists from establishing freedom of movement.
The latest arrests and rescue operation come amid continued security challenges in parts of Zamfara and the wider North-West, where criminal groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and other violent activities.
Security agencies are expected to sustain operations aimed at disrupting the supply of weapons to criminal groups while improving the protection of civilians and major transport routes across the region.
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