ARMY APPREHENDS THREE SUSPECTED ARMS DEALERS, RESCUES SIX VICTIMS IN ZAMFARA
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested three suspected arms traffickers and recovered an AK-103-2 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Zamfara State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 2:05pm on Sunday during a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road, according to a statement issued on Monday by 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 from Yar-Galadima in Dan-Sadau District, and 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, who was reportedly driving the vehicle.
According to the Army, troops found an AK-103-2 rifle, a 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 investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly transporting the weapon to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.
The Army said the two younger suspects claimed that an Alhaji based in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, provided money to purchase the millet used to conceal the firearm.
They also allegedly told investigators that the weapon was meant to be delivered to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima.
The suspects, weapon, ammunition and vehicle have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend Goguwa, who was identified as the alleged owner of the firearm.
In a separate operation the same day, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base, Anka, rescued six people after suspected terrorists attacked a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
The Army said surveillance cameras detected the attack at about 2:30pm, prompting troops to immediately mobilise to the scene.
The troops engaged the attackers as they attempted to force the vehicle’s occupants into the bush, compelling the suspects to abandon all six victims and flee.
The rescued victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Anka, for medical treatment. Three of them sustained minor injuries but were said to be in stable condition.
The Army said efforts were also made to recover the vehicle.
It added that the operations were part of ongoing efforts by troops of the 1 Brigade, operating under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and safeguard civilians along major roads and vulnerable communities.
The Army said troops had continued patrols and surveillance operations across the area to maintain control of the terrain and prevent terrorists from establishing freedom of action.
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