Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade have arrested three suspected gun runners and recovered an AK-103-2 rifle, a magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Zamfara State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 2:05pm on Sunday along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, Captain Yusuf Mohammed.
The suspects were identified as 20-year-old Lukman Sulaiman and 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both from Yar-Galadima in the Dan-Sadau District, alongside 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, who was driving the vehicle.
According to the Army, troops discovered the firearm and ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet in a Golf Wagon with registration number BMJ-143AA.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the weapon to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area,” the statement said.
The Army further disclosed that the two younger suspects claimed an Alhaji based in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, had supplied the money used to purchase the millet allegedly employed to conceal the weapon.
“They further alleged that the firearm was intended for delivery to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima,” the statement added.
The suspects, firearm, ammunition and vehicle have been taken into custody as investigations continue.
The Army also said efforts were underway to apprehend Tijani Goguwa, who was alleged to be the owner of the weapon.
Six rescued after terrorist attack
In a separate operation on Sunday, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Anka rescued six people after suspected terrorists attacked a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
The Army said surveillance cameras detected the attack at about 2:30pm, prompting troops to quickly move to the location and engage the attackers as they attempted to force the occupants into the bush.
“The swift intervention by the troops disrupted the terrorists operation, compelling them to abandon all six victims and flee the area,” the statement said.
The rescued victims were evacuated to General Hospital Anka for medical treatment, with three of them sustaining minor injuries.
They were said to be in stable condition.
“Efforts were also made to recover the vehicle,” it added.
The Army said both operations were conducted as part of ongoing efforts by troops of 1 Brigade, operating under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and safeguard civilians along major roads and vulnerable communities.
It added that troops had intensified patrols and surveillance across the area to maintain control of the terrain and prevent terrorists from operating freely.
