- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of two suspected arms trafficker who have been sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment each by the Federal High Court in Katsina state.
This was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu.
According to Anietie, the convicts identified as Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, were prosecuted for terrorism-related offences following their arrest in a major arms trafficking operation in Katsina State in September 2025.
”It will be recalled that operatives of the Katsina State Police Command intercepted the suspects, Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road, Katsina State, while transporting a cache of prohibited firearms and ammunition intended for criminal elements.
“Recovered during the operation were one PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition, 1,663 rounds of 7.62mm × 39mm AK-47 ammunition, and the vehicle used in conveying the exhibits.
“Following comprehensive investigations, the suspects were charged before the Federal High Court, Katsina Judicial Division, in Charge No. FHC/KT/84C/2025 on a five-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, rendering support to terrorists, and acts preparatory to terrorism, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.” Anietie wrote.
After a full trial during which the prosecution presented witnesses and tendered documentary and material exhibits, both suspects were found guilty on all counts.
The Court consequently sentenced each convict to five years’ imprisonment on Count One and twenty years’ imprisonment on each of Counts Two to Five.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the professionalism of the investigators and prosecution team whose diligent efforts culminated in the successful conviction.
Disu, according to the police spokesperson, reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating terrorism, disrupting the illicit proliferation of arms, and ensuring that all persons involved in acts threatening Nigeria’s national security are brought to justice.