By Parrot Newspaper Police Intercept 488 AK-47 Rifles, Arrest 2,000 Suspects
FCT Police Foil Arms Smuggling, Recover 488 AK-47 Rounds
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully intercepted a major arms smuggling operation, recovering 488 rounds of AK-47 ammunition hidden in jerrycans filled with palm oil. The suspect, Nuhu Aminu, a 32-year-old man from Katsina State, was apprehended at the Nyanya bus terminal following a coordinated operation between the Nyanya Division Police and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
How the Police Uncovered the Smuggling Attempt
According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, officers conducting routine checks at the Nyanya bus terminal discovered the hidden ammunition inside two 25-litre jerrycans. The operation was part of the command’s ongoing crackdown on illegal arms proliferation in the region.
> “Acting on credible intelligence, our officers tracked and arrested the suspect in possession of 488 AK-47 live rounds ingeniously concealed in jerrycans of palm oil. This proactive measure reinforces our commitment to public safety,” Adeh stated.
Suspect Confesses to Arms Smuggling Network
During interrogation, Aminu confessed that he was recruited by Yakubu Kachalla, a notorious arms dealer in Funtua, Katsina State. He admitted to receiving ₦100,000 to collect the illegal ammunition from an unidentified contact in Nasarawa State and transport it to Katsina.
> “This arrest is a significant breakthrough in dismantling criminal networks responsible for arms trafficking across Nigeria,” Adeh added.
The police are currently conducting further investigations to uncover Aminu’s accomplices and trace the full extent of the arms smuggling syndicate.
Nationwide Crackdown: Over 2,000 Suspects Arrested
Meanwhile, in a broader operation, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested over 2,300 suspects across the country from February 2025 to date.
Breakdown of Arrests
A detailed breakdown of the arrests includes:
602 armed robbery suspects
385 kidnapping suspects
557 murder/homicide suspects
215 individuals for unlawful firearm possession
286 rape suspects
276 suspected cultists
Firearms and Stolen Vehicles Recovered
In the same period, the police recovered:
333 firearms (including AK-47s, AK-49s, Israeli pump-action rifles)
6,422 rounds of ammunition
200 stolen vehicles
324 kidnapped victims rescued
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that these crackdowns highlight the police’s commitment to combating violent crimes and illegal arms proliferation.
> “These operations demonstrate the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven approach to crime prevention. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its fight against criminal elements,” Adejobi stated.
Public Safety Alert: Police Urge Citizens to Report Suspicious Activities
The FCT Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Isyaku Sharu, has called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring public safety and warns criminal elements that they will not relent in their efforts to dismantle armed groups and smuggling syndicates.
—
Stay Updated with Parrot Newspaper
For the latest updates on crime, security, and breaking news, stay tuned to Parrot Newspaper – News That Talks to You.