Troops Arrest 3 Suspected Gunrunners, Rescue 6 Kidnap Victims In Zamfara

Troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested three suspected gunrunners and rescued six kidnapped victims in separate operations along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi and Anka–Gummi axes of Zamfara State.

The operations, led by the Acting Commander of 1 Brigade, Col. J. Umaru, were conducted on August 23, 2026.

In a statement on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, Capt. Yusuf Mohammed, said troops intercepted three suspected gunrunners 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 and 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both from Yar-Galadima, Dan-Sadau District, as well as 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, the driver of the vehicle.

Mohammed said the 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 investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the weapon to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.

According to the statement, the two younger suspects claimed that an Alhaji resident in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, provided the money used to purchase the millet in which the weapon was concealed.

They also allegedly told investigators that the firearm was meant to be delivered to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima.

The Army said the suspects, weapon, ammunition and vehicle had been taken into custody for further investigation and legal action, while efforts were ongoing to arrest Goguwa, who was alleged to be the intended recipient of the firearm.

In a separate operation at about 2:30pm the same day, troops deployed at the 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.

Mohammed said the troops immediately mobilised to the location and engaged the attackers as they attempted to force the occupants of the vehicle into the bush.

He said the swift intervention disrupted the terrorists’ operation, forcing them to abandon all six victims and flee the area.

The rescued victims were subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital, Anka, for medical attention.

The Army spokesperson said three of the victims sustained minor bodily injuries and were receiving treatment in stable condition, while efforts were ongoing to recover the vehicle.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents and commuters across the North West.