By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three suspected gunrunners and rescued six kidnapped victims in separate operations in Zamfara State.
The operations, conducted on August 23, 2026, also led to the recovery of an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition concealed in a bag of millet.
In the first operation, troops of Sector 2 intercepted a vehicle conveying three suspected gunrunners along the Kaura Namoda–Shinkafi Road. A search of the vehicle uncovered the concealed weapon and ammunition.
Preliminary investigations showed that the arms were allegedly being transported to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area. The three suspects and the recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation.
In a separate operation, troops responded to reports of a terrorist attack on motorists along the Anka–Gummi Road. On arrival, the troops engaged the terrorists as they attempted to force their captives into a nearby forest.
The aggressive response forced the terrorists to flee, abandoning all six victims, who were immediately secured and evacuated to safety.
Three of the victims sustained minor injuries during the ordeal and were taken to a medical facility for treatment. They are said to be in stable condition.
The successes, according to the Joint Task Force, underscore its commitment to disrupting the arms supply chains of terrorist networks and protecting communities and commuters across the North West.
The Joint Task Force said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and rapid response to confront criminal elements across its area of responsibility.
It also commended residents for their support and urged them to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information on suspicious persons, weapons and movements to security agencies.