The Katsina State Police Command has recorded a major victory in its unrelenting fight against gun running and banditry, following its operatives’ arrest of two suspected gunrunners and the confiscation of a massive armory.
In a statement made available on August 31, 2025, with reference number CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/503, Force Public Relations Officer DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that the suspects were intercepted by a patrol team of the police following credible information.
The two suspects, 25-year-old Abdussalam Muhammed and 23-year-old Aminu Mamman, who are both indigenes of Baure village of Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, were apprehended by operatives at about 4:35 am along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road. They were on a Volkswagen Golf car with number plate RSH-528 BV when they were stopped and searched by operatives.
During the search, the police recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 1,063 rounds of 7.62x39mm AK-47 ammunition, and 232 rounds of 7.62x69mm PKT ammunition concealed in the vehicle.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the weapons were being transported from Hadejia in Jigawa State to Safana in Katsina State to be distributed to criminal gangs terrorizing rural communities.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their gallantry and prompt response, stating the interception was a landmark achievement in dismantling organized criminal syndicates in the region.
This interception is yet another testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to securing life and property. We will never rest on our oars in pursuing efforts at cutting off the supply chains that fuel terrorism, banditry, and other acts of violence and crimes. We call upon Nigerians to offer voluntary timely and credible information that will assist us in the fight against crime,” the IGP added.
The police also guaranteed that the suspects are being held under custody and will be rigorously investigated to dismantle their connections, sponsors, and reach of the weapons trafficking syndicate.
Arms trade and illegal weapons distribution remain the North-West’s biggest security menace, where bandit gangs and criminal groups usually rely on sophisticated weapons to carry out attacks, kidnappings, and cattle theft. The latest interception is expected to deal a blow to such groups in Katsina and surrounding states.
The Force reiterated its commitment to working in close coordination with the rest of the security agencies and community stakeholders in making the North-West zone more secure and crime-free.
