Police bust gun-running syndicate, recover 17 rifles

The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a notorious trans-border arms dealer and recovered a cache of weapons, including 17 rifles, ammunition, and equipment used for arms fabrication.

Five suspects, identified as Adamu Noma, Matthew Audu, Andrew Poyi, Aminu Sani, and Aminu Talha, were arrested during the operation conducted on November 18 by the Intelligence Response Team.

In a statement on Friday, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said Items recovered include 10 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, five Israeli-made AK-47 rifles, a revolver pistol, a pump-action rifle, 20 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and a welding machine allegedly used for fabricating firearms.

He said, “Upon arrest and conducted search, 10 locally fabricated Ak-47 rifles, five Isreali Ak-47 rifles, one revolver pistol, one pump action rifle, 20 rounds of Ak-47 ammunition, and one welding machine for fabrication of rifles were recovered from the suspect.

“These feats, and several more recorded by police operatives across the country are indications of the steadfastness and commitment of the current police leadership to decimate and subdue criminal activities and insecurity in general in the country.”

Adejobi said the IGP commended the operatives for their success and reiterated his directive for tactical units nationwide to intensify their efforts against illicit arms proliferation.

He said, “The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has re-echoed his directive to operatives of the Force, particularly, tactical units, to mop up every illegal arms and ammunition, and see to the total dismantling of local manufacturers of illicit arms and ammunition and dangerous weapons by all means.”