By Gabriel Ameh
ZAMFARA — Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three suspected gun runners and rescued six kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara State.
The operations, conducted on August 23, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition, according to the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
Three Suspected Gun Runners Arrested
In the first operation, troops of Sector 2 intercepted a vehicle carrying three suspected gun runners along the Kaura Namoda–Shinkafi Road.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered an AK-103-2 rifle, a magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the weapons were allegedly being transported to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The three suspects, alongside the recovered weapons and ammunition, have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
Six Kidnap Victims Rescued
In a separate operation the same day, troops responded to reports of an attack targeting motorists along the Anka–Gummi Road.
According to the Joint Task Force, troops arrived while the attackers were allegedly attempting to force their captives into a nearby forest.
An aggressive pursuit by the troops reportedly forced the attackers to flee, leaving all six kidnapped victims behind.
The victims were immediately secured and evacuated from the area.
Three of the rescued victims sustained minor injuries during the ordeal and were taken to a medical facility for treatment. They were reportedly in stable condition.
The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate the continued efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt the movement and supply of weapons to terrorist networks while protecting communities and road users across the North-West.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja said troops would sustain intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and rapid-response missions across the Joint Operations Area, with the aim of dismantling terrorist networks and strengthening security.
He also commended members of the public for their support and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious persons, weapons and movements.
The Joint Task Force stressed that sustained cooperation between security agencies and communities remains critical to disrupting terrorist networks, protecting lives and property, and restoring lasting peace across the North-West.
