The Nasarawa State Police Command yesterday apprehended two arms dealers transporting firearms from Benue State to Ilorin, Kwara State. The spokesperson for the command, SP Ramhan Nansel, described the interception as a major success in combating illegal arms trafficking and terrorism in the region. He noted that the operation was facilitated by credible intelligence.
“Two suspected gun runners were travelling through Lafia in possession of a large cache of high-grade firearms and ammunition en route to Ilorin, Kwara State, from Benue State. Following swift deployment of the anti-kidnapping unit, an intense and meticulously planned operation led to the arrest of the suspects,” Nansel said.
The suspects were identified as Lawal Sani, 40, a commercial bus driver from Makwalla, Funtua Local Council of Katsina State, and Dahiru Abdullahi, 75, a cattle trader from Angwan Dosa, Kaduna North Local Council of Kaduna State, who reportedly operates within Keffi Cattle Market, Nasarawa State.
Items seized during the operation include 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, four empty magazines, and a grey Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AAA 926 XL.
The suspects confessed to being paid N500,000 to transport the weapons, which could have armed multiple criminal networks. They are currently in custody as a full-scale investigation unfolds to dismantle the arms trafficking network.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated that Nasarawa State would not serve as a safe corridor for criminal activities. “We remain resolute in our determination to dismantle illegal arms networks and protect innocent Nigerians. We urge the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through official hotlines,” he said.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that armed herdsmen terrorising Benue communities are retreating following the arrival of the Chief of Army Staff in the state to bolster military efforts against ongoing attacks that have claimed lives over the past two weeks.
