Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested three suspected gun runners, recovered an AK-103-2 rifle concealed in a bag of millet and rescued six kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara State.
The operations were conducted on Sunday, August 23, 2026, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
In the first operation, troops from Sector 2 intercepted a vehicle carrying three suspected gun runners along the Kaura Namoda–Shinkafi Road.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition.
The military said the suspects allegedly concealed the weapons inside a bag of millet in an attempt to evade security checks.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the weapons were being transported to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The three suspects, together with the recovered rifle, ammunition and other items, have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of a terrorist attack on motorists along the Anka–Gummi Road.
According to the military, the attackers were attempting to force the motorists into a nearby forest when troops arrived at the scene.
The intervention reportedly triggered an aggressive pursuit, forcing the assailants to flee and abandon all six victims.
The troops subsequently secured the victims and moved them to safety.
Three of the rescued victims sustained minor injuries during the ordeal and were evacuated to a medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment and are said to be in stable condition.
The latest operations represent another attempt by security forces to disrupt the movement of weapons believed to be destined for criminal and terrorist elements operating across Zamfara and other parts of the North-West.
The Joint Task Force said its actions demonstrated its continued commitment to cutting off the supply of arms to terrorist groups while protecting communities, motorists and other residents from attacks.
“The Joint Task Force will continue to take the fight to these criminal elements through intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and rapid response across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement said.
The military also commended residents for supporting ongoing security operations and urged members of the public to remain vigilant.
Residents were specifically encouraged to provide security agencies with credible information concerning suspicious persons, weapons and movements in their communities.
According to the Joint Task Force, timely intelligence from residents remains crucial to dismantling terrorist networks, preventing attacks and safeguarding lives and property across the North-West.