Troops of Fansan Yamma have arrested three suspected gunrunners identified as Lukman Sulaiman, Nafiu Isa and Adamu Lawali and rescued six kidnap victims in the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi and Anka–Gummi axis of Zamfara State.

This was disclosed by Yusuf Mohammed, the acting spokesman for the Nigerian Army in Gusau, who said that at about 2:05 p.m. on Sunday, the troops conducted a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road.

“The suspects were identified as Lukman Sulaiman, 20 years old, and Nafiu Isa, 18 years old, both reportedly from Yar-Galadima, Dan-Sadau District, as well as Adamu Lawali, 60 years old, the driver of the vehicle,” he said.

Mr Mohammed stated that during the operation, 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 investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the weapon to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area,” he said.

The spokesman explained that further investigation indicated that the two younger suspects claimed that 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.

He added that the suspects further alleged that the firearm was intended for delivery to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima.

“The suspects, weapon, ammunition and vehicle have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action,” Mr Mohammed said.

He added that efforts were also ongoing to arrest Tijjani Goguwa, who is alleged to be the owner of the weapon.

Mr Mohammed noted that in a separate but related operational success, troops deployed at 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.

“The troops immediately mobilized to the location and made contact with the attackers as they attempted to force the occupants of the vehicle into the bush,” he said.

According to him, the intervention by the troops disrupted the terrorists’ operation, compelling them to abandon all six victims and flee the area.

“The victims were subsequently rescued and evacuated to General Hospital Anka for medical attention.

“Three of the rescued persons sustained minor bodily injuries and are currently receiving treatment in stable condition. Efforts were also made to recover the vehicle,” he said.