Police Intercept Gunrunners in Katsina, Recover GPMG and 1,295 Rounds of Ammunition

Police Intercept Gunrunners in Katsina

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another major success in its ongoing crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, following the interception of suspected gunrunners in Katsina State.

The operation, which took place in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025, was carried out by a patrol team of the Katsina State Command. At about 4:35 am, the officers stopped a suspicious vehicle along the Ingawa–Karkarku village road, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

The men, identified as 25-year-old Abdussalam Muhammed and 23-year-old Aminu Mamman, are both residents of Baure village in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State. Their arrest followed credible intelligence on their movements and swift tactical response by the police patrol team.

A thorough search of their operational vehicle, a blue Volkswagen Golf with registration number RSH-528 BV, revealed a shocking cache of arms concealed inside. Among the items recovered were one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 1,063 rounds of 7.62x39mm AK-47 ammunition, and 232 rounds of 7.62x69mm PKT ammunition.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the weapons were being transported from Hadejia in Jigawa State to Safana Local Government Area in Katsina for onward distribution to criminal gangs operating in the region. Police authorities say this interception may have disrupted a major arms supply route.

The suspects are currently in police custody as detectives continue with an in-depth investigation. The probe is expected to expose the source of the arms, the intended recipients, and possible links to wider criminal networks across the country.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, noted that the operation highlights the determination of the police to curb arms proliferation. He assured that the suspects will face the full weight of the law upon conclusion of investigations.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers for their professionalism and swift response, describing the seizure as a significant step in the fight against organized crime. He also charged operatives across the country to maintain the momentum in order to deny criminal groups access to weapons.

The IGP further appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information. According to him, such cooperation is critical in ensuring that security agencies can effectively secure lives and property nationwide.

The latest success comes amid renewed efforts by the police to dismantle organized criminal networks and restore peace and order, particularly in the northern parts of the country where banditry and insurgency remain a major concern.

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