Katsina Police Seize Machine Gun And Ammunition In Major Crackdown On Gunrunners.
Katsina State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to criminal networks with the arrest of two suspected gunrunners and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons. The operation, conducted in the early hours of 1 September 2025, underscores the force’s commitment to curbing illegal arms trafficking in Nigeria’s northwest.
At approximately 4:35 a.m., officers from the Ingawa Division, patrolling the Ingawa-Karkarku village road, intercepted a blue Volkswagen Golf, registration number RSH 528 BY ABJ. The vehicle was found to be carrying a concealed arsenal, including one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with breach number Z8826, 1,063 rounds of 7.62x39mm AK-47 ammunition, and 232 rounds of 7.62x69mm PKT ammunition. The suspects, identified as Abdulsalam Muhammad, 25, and Aminu Mamman, 23, both residents of Baure village in Safana Local Government Area, were apprehended on the spot.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the weapons were being transported from Hadejia in Jigawa State to Safana in Katsina, allegedly for distribution to criminal groups operating in the region. Dr Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, hailed the operation as a testament to the state’s unwavering resolve to disrupt criminal supply chains. “This interception demonstrates the vigilance and professionalism of our police force in preventing dangerous weapons from reaching those who threaten the safety of our communities,” he stated.
The suspects are currently in custody, with ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the source of the arms, their intended recipients, and any wider criminal networks involved. Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force is intensifying efforts to dismantle organised crime across the country. Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their swift action and urged them to maintain their momentum in tackling illegal arms proliferation.
The Katsina State Government has pledged continued support for security agencies, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in combating crime. Authorities have called on residents to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property. This successful operation marks a critical step in addressing the persistent challenge of insecurity in the region, offering hope for safer communities in Katsina and beyond.
