Security operations in Zamfara State have recorded two significant breakthroughs, with Nigerian Army troops intercepting an alleged arms delivery and separately rescuing six people after suspected terrorists attacked their vehicle.

The first operation unfolded on Sunday afternoon along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road, where troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, stopped a Golf Wagon during a routine stop-and-search exercise.

What reportedly caught the attention of the soldiers was a bag of millet being transported in the vehicle. Inside it, according to the Army, was an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Three people were arrested in connection with the discovery: 20-year-old Lukman Sulaiman, 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both said to be from Yar-Galadima in the Dan-Sadau District, and 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, who was driving the vehicle.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, Captain Yusuf Mohammed, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the weapon to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area,” the statement said.

The Army said further investigation indicated that the two younger suspects claimed an Alhaji resident in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, had provided money for the purchase of 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 as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged arms movement.

The Army said efforts are also underway to arrest Tijani Goguwa, who was allegedly identified as the owner of the weapon. But while the weapon interception was unfolding, another operation was taking place elsewhere in the state.

At Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route, suspected terrorists reportedly attacked a vehicle carrying six people. The situation could have ended differently, but surveillance cameras detected the attack at about 2:30pm, prompting troops at the Forward Operating Base Anka to move swiftly towards the scene.

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 subsequently rescued and taken to General Hospital Anka for medical attention.Three of them sustained minor bodily injuries but were said to be in stable condition while receiving treatment. Troops also made efforts to recover the vehicle involved in the incident.

The two operations highlight the Army’s ongoing focus on both sides of the security challenge in the area — cutting off suspected weapons supply routes while responding rapidly to attacks on civilians travelling along vulnerable roads.

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 said.