Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade have arrested three suspected gun runners and recovered a rifle and ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Zamfara State.
The suspects were intercepted 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 arrested persons were identified as 20-year-old Lukman Sulaiman and 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both from Yar-Galadima in Dan-Sadau District, alongside 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, who was driving the vehicle.
According to the Army in a statement on Monday, troops discovered an AK-103-2 rifle, a magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition hidden inside a bag of millet in a Golf Wagon with registration number BMJ-143AA.
The Army said preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were allegedly conveying 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 the money used to purchase the millet in which the firearm was concealed.
They also allegedly disclosed that the weapon was meant to be delivered to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima.
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The suspects, the recovered weapon and ammunition, as well as the vehicle, have been handed over for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Army said efforts were underway to apprehend Goguwa, who was allegedly identified as the owner of the firearm.
Six Rescued From Terrorist Attack
In a separate operation on Sunday, troops operating from 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 immediately move to the scene.
On arrival, the troops engaged the attackers as they attempted to force the occupants of the vehicle into the bush.
The military intervention reportedly disrupted the operation, forcing the attackers to abandon the six victims and flee.
The rescued persons were evacuated to General Hospital Anka for medical attention, with three of them said to have sustained minor injuries.
Troops also commenced efforts to recover the attacked vehicle.
The Army said the operations were conducted as part of ongoing efforts by troops of 1 Brigade under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and protect civilians along major highways and vulnerable communities.
It added that troops would continue patrols, surveillance and other security operations across the area to prevent terrorists from gaining freedom of movement.