𝙁𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙞𝙣 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢, 𝘼𝙧𝙢𝙨 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙨𝙚; 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙀𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙤 20 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙣

The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of two men for terrorism-related offences following a major arms trafficking investigation in Katsina State, marking another milestone in the country's efforts to combat terrorism and the illegal circulation of firearms.

The convicts, identified as Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, were arrested in September 2025 by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road while allegedly transporting a large cache of prohibited weapons and ammunition believed to be destined for criminal groups.

According to the police, the operation led to the recovery of a PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition, 1,663 rounds of 7.62mm × 39mm AK-47 ammunition, as well as the vehicle used to transport the weapons. Investigators described the seizure as a significant breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the illegal arms supply chain fueling insecurity in parts of the country.

Following extensive investigations, the suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Katsina on a five-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, providing support to terrorist groups, and engaging in acts preparatory to terrorism, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.

During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses alongside documentary and physical evidence linking the defendants to the offences. After evaluating the evidence, the court found both defendants guilty on all five counts.

The court subsequently sentenced each of the convicts to five years' imprisonment on the conspiracy charge and 20 years' imprisonment on each of the remaining four counts, underscoring the judiciary's determination to impose stiff penalties on offences that threaten Nigeria's national security.

Reacting to the judgment, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the professionalism and dedication of the investigators and prosecution team whose efforts led to the successful conviction. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to intensifying the fight against terrorism, dismantling illegal arms trafficking networks and ensuring that individuals involved in activities capable of undermining national peace and security are brought to justice.

The conviction reflects ongoing collaboration between security agencies and the judiciary to strengthen Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts through effective investigation, prosecution and enforcement of existing laws.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊 𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

The successful prosecution of terrorism-related offences demonstrates that effective law enforcement extends beyond arrests to securing convictions through thorough investigations and diligent prosecution. Holding offenders accountable is critical to weakening criminal and terrorist networks while reinforcing public confidence in the justice system.

As Nigeria continues to confront security challenges, sustained intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and stricter enforcement against illegal arms trafficking will remain essential in reducing the flow of weapons to criminal groups and enhancing national security.