Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade, 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.
According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, Capt. Yusuf Mohammed, who made this known on Monday, the operations, conducted along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi and Anka–Gummi axes on August 23, 2026, also led to the recovery of an AK-103-2 rifle, a magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The troops, under the Acting Brigade Commander, Col. J. Umaru, intercepted three suspects during a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road at about 2:05pm.
The suspects were identified as 20-year-old Lukman Sulaiman, 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both from Yar-Galadima, Dan-Sadau District, and 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, the driver of the vehicle.
The weapon and ammunition were allegedly concealed inside a bag of millet in a Golf Wagon with registration number BMJ-143AA. Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were transporting the weapon to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.
The two younger suspects reportedly claimed that an Alhaji based in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, provided the money used to purchase the millet for concealing the weapon. They further alleged that the firearm was to be delivered to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima.
The suspects, weapon, ammunition and vehicle have been handed over for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend Goguwa, who is alleged to be the intended recipient of the firearm.
In a separate incident at about 2:30pm, troops at Forward Operating Base Anka detected an attack on a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route through surveillance cameras.
The troops immediately mobilised to the scene and engaged the suspected terrorists as they attempted to force the occupants into the bush. The intervention compelled the attackers to abandon all six victims and flee the area.
The victims were rescued and evacuated to General Hospital, Anka, for medical attention. Three sustained minor injuries and were reported to be in stable condition. Troops also made efforts to recover the vehicle.
The Army said the operations demonstrate the Brigade’s commitment to disrupting terrorist logistics networks, denying criminal elements freedom of action and protecting civilians along major routes and vulnerable communities.
It added that troops have intensified patrols and surveillance operations across the area to maintain control of the terrain and prevent terrorists from establishing freedom of action.
