Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted an AK-103 rifle concealed in a bag of millet and arrested three suspected gun runners during an operation in Zamfara State.
The troops, from 1 Brigade Nigerian Army and operating under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, made the arrests during a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road at about 2:05 p.m. on August 23, 2026.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, Captain Yusuf Mohammed, identified the suspects as Lukman Sulaiman, 20, and Nafiu Isa, 18, both reportedly from Yar-Galadima in Dan-Sadau District, as well as Adamu Lawali, 60, who was identified as the driver of the vehicle.
According to the Army, troops recovered an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet being transported in a Golf Wagon with registration number BMJ-143AA.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly transporting the firearm to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The two younger suspects reportedly told investigators that a man they described as their father, identified only as an Alhaji resident in Gusau, provided money for the purchase of the millet in which the weapon was concealed.
They further alleged that the firearm was intended for delivery to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima. The Army said efforts were underway to apprehend Goguwa, who was alleged to be the intended recipient of the weapon.
The suspects, firearm, ammunition and vehicle have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
In a separate operation later the same day, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Anka rescued six civilians after suspected terrorists attacked a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
Mohammed said the attack was detected through surveillance cameras at about 2:30 p.m., prompting troops to immediately mobilise to the scene.
The attackers were reportedly attempting to force the occupants of the vehicle into the bush when troops arrived and engaged them, disrupting the attempted abduction and forcing the assailants to flee.
All six victims were rescued and evacuated to General Hospital Anka for medical attention. Three sustained minor injuries and were reported to be in stable condition.
Troops also commenced efforts to recover the vehicle while sustaining patrols and surveillance operations across the area.
The Army said the two operations reflected the continuing efforts of troops of 1 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist logistics networks, deny criminal groups freedom of action and protect civilians travelling along major routes and communities in the region.
It added that troops would maintain robust patrols and surveillance across the general area to prevent terrorists and other criminal elements from establishing operational footholds.
