Police in Katsina State said on Saturday that they had arrested a 38-year-old man found in possession of a locally made rifle, live ammunition and a fake police identification card, in what officials described as part of a broader effort to tighten security across the state.
The suspect, identified as Mubarak Bello of Kofar Yamma quarters in Kurfi Local Government Area, was taken into custody in the early hours of Sept. 13 after officers on routine patrol stopped him while he was driving a Toyota Corolla with Lagos license plates, the authorities said.
When questioned, Mr. Bello was unable to explain his presence or provide adequate details about the vehicle, according to a statement by the police. A search of the car led to the discovery of a rifle, four live cartridges, two used shells, an additional license plate registered in Kano and the counterfeit police identity card.
“The suspect is in custody as investigations are being intensified to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm, fake ID and other exhibits,” said Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the police command’s spokesman.
The police said they believed the arrest was the result of “heightened vigilance and proactive policing strategies” ordered by the state commissioner, Bello Shehu.