Army arrests three suspected gun runners in Zamfara, rescues six

Troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested three suspected gun runners and recovered an AK-103-2 rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Zamfara State.

The arrests were made at about 2:05pm on Sunday during a stop-and-search operation 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 reportedly from Yar-Galadima, Dan-Sadau District, as well as 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, the driver of the vehicle.

The Army said troops recovered one AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special 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 said further investigation indicated that the two younger suspects claimed an Alhaji resident in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, had provided money for the purchase of the millet used 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, weapon, ammunition and vehicle have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The Army said efforts were ongoing to arrest Tijani Goguwa, who was alleged to be the owner of the weapon.

In a separate operation the same day, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Anka rescued six people after suspected terrorists attacked a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.

According to the Army, surveillance cameras detected the attack at about 2:30pm, after which troops immediately mobilised to the location and engaged the attackers as they attempted to force the occupants of the vehicle 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 six victims were subsequently rescued and evacuated to General Hospital Anka for medical attention.

The Army said three of the rescued persons sustained minor bodily injuries and were receiving treatment in stable condition.

“Efforts were also made to recover the vehicle,” it added.

The Army said the operations were part of efforts by troops of 1 Brigade operating under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and protect civilians along major routes and vulnerable communities.

“Troops have sustained robust patrols and surveillance operations across the general area to further dominate the terrain and prevent terrorists from establishing freedom of action,” the statement said.