Troops Intercept AK-103 Rifle Hidden in Millet Bag, Arrest Three in Zamfara
Troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted an AK-103 rifle concealed in a bag of millet and arrested three suspected gun runners in Zamfara State.
The troops made the arrest during a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road at about 2:05 p.m. on August 23, 2026.
According to 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, 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both reportedly from Yar-Galadima, Dan-Sadau District, and 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, the driver of the vehicle.
The troops recovered one AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition concealed inside the millet bag 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 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.
They further alleged that the firearm was intended for delivery to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima, whom the Army said efforts were ongoing to arrest as the alleged owner of the weapon.
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The suspects, weapon, ammunition and vehicle have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Anka rescued six people after suspected terrorists attacked a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
Captain Mohammed said the attack was detected through surveillance cameras at about 2:30 p.m., prompting troops to immediately mobilise to the location.
The terrorists were reportedly attempting to force the occupants of the vehicle into the bush when the troops arrived and engaged them.
The intervention disrupted the attackers’ operation, forcing them to abandon all six victims and flee the area.
The rescued civilians were evacuated to General Hospital Anka for medical attention. Three of them sustained minor bodily injuries and were reported to be in stable condition.
Troops also made efforts to recover the vehicle while sustaining patrols and surveillance operations across the area.
The Army said the operations demonstrated 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 civilians along major routes and vulnerable communities.
It added that troops would continue to dominate the general area through robust patrols and surveillance to prevent terrorists and other criminal elements from establishing freedom of action.
By PRNigeria
