Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested three suspected gun runners and rescued six victims from a terrorist attack in separate operations along major routes in Zamfara State.
According to Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gusau Captain Yusuf Mohammed said the operations, conducted on August 23, 2026, covered the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi and Anka–Gummi axes, as troops intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and protect civilians.
At about 2:05 p.m., troops conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road intercepted a Golf Wagon, registration number BMJ-143AA, and arrested three occupants suspected of arms trafficking.
The suspects were identified as 20-year-old Lukman Sulaiman and 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both reportedly from Yar-Galadima in the Dan-Sadau District, and 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, the vehicle’s driver.
Troops recovered one AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet in the vehicle.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly transporting the weapon to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area. The two younger suspects reportedly told investigators that an Alhaji based in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, provided funds for the purchase of the millet used to conceal the firearm.
They further alleged that the weapon was intended for delivery to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima. The suspects, weapon, ammunition and vehicle have been handed over for further investigation and appropriate legal action, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend Goguwa, who is alleged to be the intended recipient and owner of the firearm.
In a separate operation at about 2:30 p.m., troops at Forward Operating Base Anka detected through surveillance cameras an attack on a vehicle by suspected terrorists at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
The troops immediately mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers as they attempted to force the occupants of the vehicle into the bush.
The swift intervention disrupted the attack, forcing the terrorists to abandon all six victims and flee the area. The victims were rescued and evacuated to General Hospital, Anka, for medical attention.
Three of the rescued victims sustained minor injuries and were reported to be in stable condition while receiving treatment. Troops also made efforts to recover the vehicle involved in the incident.
The latest operations underscore the commitment of 1 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantling terrorist logistics networks, denying criminal elements freedom of action and safeguarding civilians along major highways and vulnerable communities.
The Brigade said troops would sustain patrols, surveillance and other security operations across the area to strengthen control of the terrain and prevent terrorists from establishing operational footholds.
