Army Smashes Gun-Running Network In Zamfara, Recovers AK-103 Rifle, 7.62mm Special Ammunition

• Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade have arrested three suspected gun runners after intercepting a vehicle carrying an AK-103-2 rifle, a magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road in Zamfara State.

• The firearm was allegedly concealed in a bag of millet in an attempt to disguise its movement, with preliminary investigation indicating that the suspects were taking it to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.

• The Army said the suspects identified a man they claimed was their father as the person who provided money for the millet used to conceal the weapon, while they allegedly named one Tijjani Goguwa as the intended recipient of the firearm.

• In a separate operation on the same day, troops foiled an attempted abduction along the Anka–Gummi route, rescuing six persons after suspected terrorists attacked their vehicle and tried to force them into the bush.

August 24, () — Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade have arrested three suspected gun runners and recovered an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition in Zamfara State.

A statement signed on Monday by Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, Captain Yusuf Mohammed, disclosed that the troops, operating under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, intercepted the suspects on a Golf Wagon with registration number BMJ-143AA, during a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road on Sunday.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspected gun runners identified as 20-year-old Lukman Sulaiman and 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both reportedly from Yar-Galadima, Dan-Sadau District, as well as 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, the driver of the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of one AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The Army said the weapon and ammunition were concealed inside a bag of millet in the vehicle.

Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly transporting the firearm to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.

Further investigation revealed that the two younger suspects allegedly claimed that an Alhaji resident in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, provided money for the purchase of the millet used to conceal the weapon. They also reportedly told investigators that the firearm was intended for delivery to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima.

The three suspects, the recovered rifle and ammunition, as well as the vehicle, have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The Army said efforts were ongoing to arrest Goguwa, who is alleged to be the owner of the weapon.

Troops Foil Abduction, Rescue Six

In a separate incident about 25 minutes after the gun-running arrests, troops operating from the Forward Operating Base, Anka, foiled an attempted abduction along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.

According to the Army, surveillance cameras detected an attack on a vehicle at Gadan Manya at about 2:30pm.

The suspected terrorists were reportedly attempting to force the occupants of the vehicle into the bush when troops were mobilised to the location.

The troops made contact with the attackers, disrupting the operation and forcing them to abandon the six victims and flee the area. The Army said three of the rescued persons sustained minor bodily injuries and were receiving treatment in stable condition.