Nigerian Army Arrests Three Suspected Gun Runners, Rescues Six Terror Attack Victims in Zamfara

Nigerian Army troops have arrested three suspected gun runners and rescued six people during separate operations against criminal elements in Zamfara State.

The operations, conducted on Sunday by troops of 1 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, took place along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi and Anka–Gummi routes, according to the Army.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade, Captain Yusuf Mohammed, said troops carrying out a stop-and-search operation on the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road intercepted a Golf Wagon with registration number BMJ-143AA at about 2:05pm.

Three occupants were arrested and identified as Lukman Sulaiman, 20; Nafiu Isa, 18; and Adamu Lawali, 60, the driver of the vehicle. Troops reportedly found an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition hidden inside a bag of millet.

Preliminary findings indicated that the weapon was allegedly being transported to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area. The two younger suspects reportedly told investigators that an Alhaji based in Gusau, whom they described as their father, provided money for the purchase of the millet used to conceal the firearm.

The suspects also allegedly said the weapon was intended for delivery to a man identified as Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima. The Army said the three suspects, firearm, ammunition and vehicle remain in custody as investigations continue, while security personnel are working to locate Goguwa, who was allegedly identified as the owner of the weapon.

In a separate operation at about 2:30pm, surveillance cameras at the Forward Operating Base in Anka detected suspected terrorists attacking a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route. Troops quickly moved to the location and engaged the attackers as they attempted to force the occupants into the bush.

The military intervention enabled troops to rescue six victims, while the attackers fled the scene. Security personnel have continued efforts to track down those responsible for the attack as operations against terrorism and arms trafficking intensify across Zamfara.