The arrests were made at around 2:05 p.m. on Sunday during a stop-and-search operation along the Kauran Namoda–Shinkafi Road, according to a statement issued Monday by Captain Yusuf Mohammed, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, Punch reported.
The suspects were identified as 20-year-old Lukman Sulaiman and 18-year-old Nafiu Isa, both reportedly from Yar-Galadima in Dan-Sadau District, as well as 60-year-old Adamu Lawali, who was driving the vehicle.
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The Army said troops recovered an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet in a Golf Wagon with registration number BMJ-143AA.
“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 showed that the two younger suspects claimed an Alhaji living in Gusau, whom they identified as their father, had provided money to purchase 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 suspects, weapon, ammunition and vehicle have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The Army said efforts were continuing to arrest Tijani Goguwa, who was alleged to be the owner of the weapon.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Anka rescued six people after suspected terrorists attacked a vehicle at Gadan Manya along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route.
According to the Army, surveillance cameras detected the attack at around 2:30 p.m., prompting troops to immediately mobilise to the location and engage the attackers as they attempted to force the occupants of the vehicle into the bush.
“The swift intervention by the troops disrupted the terrorists operation, compelling them to abandon all six victims and flee the area,” the statement said.
The six victims were subsequently rescued and evacuated to General Hospital Anka for medical attention.
The Army said three of those rescued sustained minor bodily injuries and were receiving treatment in stable condition.
