Police in Katsina State have arrested two suspected arms traffickers and seized a cache of weapons, including a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, authorities said on Monday.
The suspects, identified as Abdulsalam Muhammad, 25, and Aminu Mamman, 23, both from Baure Village in Safana Local Government Area, were intercepted by officers of the Ingawa Division during patrols along the Ingawa–Karkarku route at about 4:35 a.m.
A search of their blue Volkswagen Golf, registration number RSH 528 BY ABJ, uncovered the GPMG with breach number Z8826, 1,063 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm AK-47 ammunition, and 232 rounds of 7.62 x 69mm PKT ammunition, police said.
In a statement, the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said the weapons were traced to Hadejia in Jigawa State and were destined for criminal groups in Safana.
“Katsina State Police Command has delivered a crushing blow to criminal networks with the interception of a sophisticated arms smuggling operation that could have wreaked havoc across the state,” the statement read.
State Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, said the operation showed the government’s “unwavering commitment to disrupting criminal supply chains before they can harm innocent citizens.”
He added that investigations were underway to identify the source of the weapons and uncover other members of the network.
The state government commended the police for their vigilance and professionalism, pledging continued support to security agencies in the fight against armed violence.