Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended three suspected gun runners and recovered an AK-103-2 rifle alongside 30 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara State.
The suspects were arrested around 2:05pm on Sunday during a stop-and-search operation on the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road, according to a statement released 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 said to be from Yar-Galadima, Dan-Sadau District, and 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, who was driving the vehicle.
According to the Army, troops found an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition hidden inside a millet bag 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.
Further investigation, the Army disclosed, showed that the two younger suspects claimed an Alhaji in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, gave them money to buy the millet used to conceal the firearm.
“They further alleged that the firearm was intended for delivery to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima,” the statement added.
The three suspects, along with the recovered weapon, ammunition and vehicle, have been detained for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Army also said efforts were underway to apprehend Tijani Goguwa, who was allegedly linked to the ownership of the firearm.
In a separate operation carried out the same day, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Anka rescued six people following an attack on a vehicle by suspected terrorists at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
The Army said surveillance cameras detected the incident at about 2:30pm, prompting troops to move quickly to the scene and confront the attackers, who were attempting to force the vehicle’s 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 victims were rescued and taken to General Hospital Anka for medical treatment. Three of them reportedly sustained minor injuries and were said to be in stable condition.
“Efforts were also made to recover the vehicle,” it added.
The Army said both operations formed part of ongoing efforts by troops of the 1 Brigade, operating under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to disrupt terrorist logistics and safeguard civilians travelling along major roads and communities considered vulnerable.
“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.