In a major breakthrough against criminal networks, the Katsina State Police Command has intercepted a deadly arms smuggling operation, seizing a cache of sophisticated weapons and arresting two suspected gunrunners in the early hours of Monday.
The operation, executed by vigilant officers of the Ingawa Division around 4:35 a.m. along the Ingawa–Karkarku village route, led to the arrest of the suspects who were transporting the weapons in a blue Volkswagen Golf, with registration number RSH 528 BY ABJ.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (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—a deadly arsenal capable of fueling widespread violence.
The suspects, identified as Abdulsalam Muhammad (25) and Aminu Mamman (23), both from Baure Village in Safana Local Government Area, were immediately taken into custody.
According to a statement issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, preliminary investigations revealed that the weapons originated from Hadejia in Jigawa State and were destined for criminal syndicates operating in Safana, one of the areas most affected by banditry.
“This interception has delivered a crushing blow to criminal networks plotting to unleash terror on our communities,” the statement read. “The vigilance of the Ingawa Division officers not only prevented a looming tragedy but also reinforced the state’s commitment to dismantling illegal supply chains that sustain violent crime.”
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, noted that investigations are ongoing to trace the ultimate destination of the weapons, identify other collaborators, and uncover the masterminds behind the smuggling ring.
He reaffirmed the Katsina State Government’s commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics and intelligence, stressing that the fight against armed criminality remains a top priority.
This arrest comes amid intensified security operations across the Northwest, where criminal gangs have relied heavily on sophisticated arms to carry out kidnappings, banditry, and attacks on rural communities.
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