SOLDIERS SEIZE AK-103 RIFLE HIDDEN IN MILLET BAG, RESCUE 6 IN ZAMFARA
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded two major breakthroughs in Zamfara State with the interception of an AK-103 rifle concealed in a bag of millet, and the rescue of six civilians after an attack by suspected terrorists.
The first operation took place on Sunday afternoon along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road. Troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, conducting a routine stop-and-search stopped a Golf Wagon.
A bag of millet being transported in the vehicle attracted the attention of the soldiers. On searching it, they found an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition concealed inside.
Three persons were arrested in connection with the seizure. They are 20-year-old Lukman Sulaiman, 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both from Yar-Galadima in Dan-Sadau District, and 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, the driver of the vehicle.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, Captain Yusuf Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the weapon to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.
The two younger suspects claimed that an Alhaji resident in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, provided the money used to buy the millet used to conceal the weapon.
“They further alleged that the firearm was intended for delivery to one Tijjani Goguwa of Yar-Galadima,” the statement added.
The three suspects, along with the recovered weapon, ammunition and vehicle, have been taken into custody. The Army said efforts are underway to arrest Tijjani Goguwa, who was allegedly identified as the owner of the weapon.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops rescued six people along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
At Gadan Manya, suspected terrorists attacked a vehicle carrying six people at about 2:30pm. Surveillance cameras detected the attack, prompting troops at the Forward Operating Base Anka to respond swiftly.
According to the Army, the attackers were attempting to force the occupants into the bush when troops arrived and engaged them.
“The swift intervention by the troops disrupted the terrorists operation, compelling them to abandon all six victims and flee the area,” the statement said.
All six victims were rescued and taken to General Hospital Anka for medical attention. Three of them sustained minor bodily injuries but are said to be in stable condition. Troops also recovered the vehicle involved in the incident.
The Army said the operations were conducted by troops of 1 Brigade under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, as part of efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and protect civilians across Zamfara.
“Troops have sustained robust patrols and surveillance operations across the general area to further dominate the terrain and prevent terrorists from establishing freedom of action,” the statement concluded.
