A 75-year-old man, Dahiru Abdullahi, and a 40-year-old driver, Lawal Sani, have been arrested by the Nasarawa State Police Command for allegedly smuggling a large quantity of firearms and ammunition from Benue to Kwara State.
First News gathered on Wednesday, June 4, that the suspects were intercepted in Lafia, the state capital, by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following what police described as “credible and actionable intelligence.”
Police spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, said Abdullahi, a cattle trader from Kaduna State, and Sani, a commercial bus driver from Katsina, were travelling in a grey Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AAA 926 XL when they were stopped and searched.
According to Nansel, the officers found a disturbing haul: one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), three AK-47 rifles, one TAB 06 rifle, 1,096 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO-calibre ammunition, and four empty magazines.
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The suspects reportedly confessed to being paid ₦500,000 to transport the weapons to Ilorin, Kwara State. The police believe the arms were intended for criminal groups operating in the region.
Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, said, “This arrest sends a clear message that Nasarawa State will not be used as a corridor for criminal activity. We remain resolute in our mission to dismantle illegal arms networks and safeguard the lives and property of our citizens.”
He added that a full investigation has been launched to uncover and apprehend other members of the trafficking network.
The police are urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity by calling these official hotlines: 08112692680, 08032564469, 08036157659, and 07032532391.