The Nigeria Police has announced a major breakthrough in its sustained fight against illegal arms trafficking, with the interception of suspected gunrunners and recovery of a cache of weapons in Katsina State.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operation took place in the early hours of September 1, 2025, when a patrol team from the Katsina State Command intercepted two suspects along the Ingawa–Karkarku village road.
The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Abdussalam Muhammed and 23-year-old Aminu Mamman, both residents of Baure village in Safana Local Government Area, were arrested following credible intelligence and a swift tactical response by police operatives.
A search of their blue Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number RSH-528 BV led to the recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 1,063 rounds of 7.62x39mm AK-47 ammunition, and 232 rounds of 7.62x69mm PKT ammunition, all concealed inside the car.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the weapons were being transported from Hadejia in Jigawa State to Safana LGA in Katsina State for distribution to criminal networks operating in the region.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the gallantry and prompt action of the officers involved, urging them to sustain the momentum in tackling organized criminal groups. He reiterated the Force’s commitment to dismantling arms trafficking syndicates and other threats to national security.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to uncover the source and network behind the arms supply. The Police also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to aid in ongoing security operations.
