Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted a terrorist kidnapping attempt and arrested three suspected gun runners in two separate operations across Zamfara State.
According to an official statement issued on Monday by Captain Yusuf Mohammed, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 1 Brigade, the operations disrupted criminal logistics and saved six civilians along critical transit corridors.
The first breakthrough occurred on Sunday afternoon during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road.
“At about 1405 hours on 23 August 2026, the Brigade troops while conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road intercepted and apprehended three suspected gun runners,” Captain Mohammed stated.
The suspects were identified as Lukman Sulaiman (20), Nafiu Isa (18)—both hailing from Yar-Galadima, Dan-Sadau District—and Adamu Lawali (60), the driver of the vehicle.
During a search of their Golf Wagon (registration number BMJ-143AA), troops uncovered an AK-103-2 rifle, a magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition hidden inside a bag of millet. Preliminary investigations reveal the group was transporting the weapon to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.
“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,” Mohammed disclosed. “They further alleged that the firearm was intended for delivery to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima.”
Army authorities confirmed that all three suspects, along with the seized vehicle and weaponry, remain in custody while security forces track down Goguwa.
Just minutes later, around 14:30 hours, troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Anka responded to a real-time security threat detected via surveillance cameras at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
“The swift intervention by the troops disrupted the terrorists’ operation, compelling them to abandon all six victims and flee the area,” Captain Mohammed said. “The victims were subsequently rescued and evacuated to General Hospital Anka for medical attention.”
Three of the rescued individuals suffered minor injuries and are currently receiving treatment in stable condition. Operations are underway to recover the victims’ vehicle.
Reaffirming the military’s posture in the region, Captain Mohammed emphasised that troops under the command of Acting Commander Col J. Umaru remain dedicated to neutralising criminal networks.
“These successes underscore the commitment of troops of 1 Brigade operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupting terrorist logistics networks, denying criminal elements freedom of action and protecting innocent civilians,” he added, noting that robust patrols and high-definition surveillance will continue across the state. #Securitynewsalert.com
