Esther Oseyiomon
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three suspected gun runners and rescued six kidnapped victims in separate operations conducted in Zamfara State.
The operations, carried out on August 23, 2026, are part of intensified efforts by the military to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and protect communities and motorists across the North-West.
In the first operation, troops of Sector 2 intercepted a vehicle conveying three suspected gun runners along the Kaura Namoda–Shinkafi Road. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the weapons were allegedly being transported to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area of the state. The three suspects, alongside 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 a distress call following a terrorist attack on motorists along the Anka–Gummi Road in Zamfara State.
The terrorists were reportedly attempting to force their victims into the surrounding forest when troops arrived at the scene and engaged them. The troops mounted an aggressive pursuit, forcing the attackers to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding area.
All six victims were subsequently rescued and secured by the troops. Three of the victims, who sustained minor injuries during the attack, were evacuated to a medical facility for treatment and were said to be in stable condition.
The Joint Task Force said the operations underscored its determination to disrupt the supply of arms to terrorist networks while responding swiftly to threats against communities and commuters. It added that intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and rapid response would continue across the Joint Operations Area.
The military also commended residents for their continued support and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious persons, weapons and movements.
It stressed that sustained cooperation between communities and security forces remains critical to dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting their logistics and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the North-West.