Soldiers Intercept Gun Runners, Rescue Six Kidnap Victims in Zamfara

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 in Zamfara State.

The operations, conducted on Sunday, August 23, 2026, also led to the recovery of an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition, according to the Joint Task Force.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

Danja said troops from Sector 2 intercepted a vehicle conveying three suspected gun runners along the Kaura Namoda–Shinkafi Road.

He said a search of the vehicle uncovered the rifle, magazine and ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet.

“Preliminary investigations indicated that the weapons cache was destined for Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area,” he said.

According to him, the three suspects and the recovered weapons and other items are currently in military custody for further investigation.

In a separate operation, troops responded to a distress call following an attack on motorists along the Anka–Gummi Road.

Danja said the troops engaged the terrorists as they attempted to force their captives into a nearby forest.

He said the pressure mounted by the troops forced the attackers to flee, abandoning all six victims.

“The rescued individuals were immediately secured by the troops,” he said, adding that three of the victims who sustained minor injuries were evacuated to a medical facility and are in stable condition.

The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrated its commitment to disrupting the supply of arms to terrorist groups and protecting communities and road users across the North-West.

Danja said the task force would continue to employ intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and rapid response to tackle criminal elements within its area of responsibility.

He also commended residents for their support and urged them to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious persons, weapons and movements.

“Public cooperation remains a critical component in our mission to dismantle terrorist networks and ensure the safety of lives and property throughout the North-West region,” he said.