A 21-year-old woman suspected of arms trafficking has been apprehended by operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command in a decisive operation that led to the recovery of 481 rounds of live ammunition.
The suspect, identified as Fatima Salisu, a native of Funtua town in Katsina State, was intercepted in the Azuba area of Lafia while allegedly transporting the ammunition through Keana and Doma local government areas. According to police authorities, she was en route to deliver the consignment to criminal elements in Katsina.
The arrest followed a credible intelligence report, prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima J. Mohammed, to direct the immediate deployment of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
“In response to the actionable intelligence, our operatives moved swiftly and professionally. The operation led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition,” the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, stated in a press release issued on Thursday.
He added that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing thorough interrogation, as the Command intensifies efforts to uncover the broader network behind the illegal arms trafficking syndicate.
“This is a major breakthrough in our fight against the proliferation of illicit arms, which fuels violent crimes including armed banditry and terrorism. The investigation is ongoing, and we are working to identify and apprehend all those connected to this crime,” Nansel said.
The police spokesperson reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nasarawa residents, urging the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies.
“We call on members of the public to remain vigilant and share timely and credible information with security agencies to enable swift action against criminal activities,” he added.
Daily Sun