N3.9 Million Arms Deal Exposed as Police Nab Gunrunners, Drug Suppliers in Nationwide Crackdown
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major successes in its efforts to combat arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and organized crime, with recent arrests leading to significant recoveries of weapons, ammunition, and illicit substances.
On December 23, 2024, at about 5:50 p.m., operatives of the Force Intelligence Department-Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) intercepted a 30-year-old woman, Hauwa Sani, along the Keffi-Abuja Expressway. She was found in possession of 124 rounds of live ammunition concealed inside a five-litre container of palm oil. Upon interrogation, she admitted that an individual identified as Nasiru of Daura had instructed her to deliver the ammunition to Katsina State. Further investigations have resulted in additional arrests and recoveries, with suspects currently under profiling.
In another operation on February 1, 2025, police operatives acting on intelligence arrested three individuals in Potiskum, Yobe State, while they were transporting 30 cartons of codeine syrup and other hard drugs. The suspects, identified as Alhaji Usman Yahaya (50), Joseph Matthew (27), and Solomon Bala (25), confessed that the drugs were meant for supply to bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and kidnappers operating in Yobe State and neighboring areas.
On February 3, 2025, police operatives also arrested three suspected arms dealers—Yusuf Dantani (24), Usman Labaran (32), and Musa Mohammed (23)—who were found in possession of 10 AK-47 rifles. The suspects confessed to being involved in multiple arms transactions and revealed that they had received N3,980,000 for a previous batch of weapons they had supplied.
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring national security. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. These recent operations highlight the proactive efforts of law enforcement in tackling security threats and maintaining public safety.
Comments