Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have disrupted an alleged arms-smuggling operation and rescued six kidnapped victims during separate operations in Zamfara State.
The operations were conducted on Sunday, August 23, 2026, resulting in the arrest of three suspected gun runners and the recovery of an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday.
According to Danja, troops from Sector 2 intercepted a vehicle carrying three suspected gun runners along the Kaura Namoda-Shinkafi Road.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the discovery of the rifle, magazine and ammunition, which had been 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, along with the recovered weapons, ammunition and other items, have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
Six Kidnap Victims Rescued
In another operation on the same day, troops responded to reports that motorists were being attacked along the Anka-Gummi Road.
Danja said the troops confronted the attackers as they attempted to take their captives into a nearby forest.
The military’s pursuit reportedly forced the assailants to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding area.
All six kidnapped victims were rescued and immediately taken to safety.
Three of the victims sustained minor injuries during the ordeal and were taken to a medical facility for treatment. They were later reported to be in stable condition.
Danja said the operations demonstrated the commitment of Operation Fansan Yamma to disrupting the supply of weapons to terrorist groups while protecting communities and road users across the region.
He said the Joint Task Force would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations, aggressive patrols and rapid-response missions against criminal elements within its area of operation.
The military also thanked residents for their cooperation and urged them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious people, weapons and movements to security agencies.
Danja stressed that public cooperation remained essential to dismantling terrorist networks and improving the safety of lives and property across the North-West.
Source: Operation Fansan Yamma.
