Police Apprehend Five Transnational Gunrunners, as IG Reiterates Directive to Mop Up Arms

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday said that their FID-IRT operatives in Zamfara State successfully apprehended five suspects involved in trans-border gun running.

 This was as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated his directive to operatives of the force, particularly, tactical units, to mop up every illegal arms and ammunition across the country.

The arrest, the force said, followed their unyielding resolution and unwavering commitment to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, as well as continues to work tirelessly to prevent and combat all forms of crime and criminality.

A statement by Force Spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, identified the cross border gunrunners as “Adamu Noma ‘m’, Matthew Audu ‘m’, Andrew Poyi ‘m’, Aminu Sani ‘m’, and Aminu Talha ‘m’,” stating that they were apprehended in Zamfara by the operatives of the FID-IRT, on the 18th of November, 2024.

“Upon arrest and conducted search, 10 locally fabricated Ak-47 rifles, five Israeli 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,” Adejobi said.

He averred that 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 the country.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police insisted on the total dismantling of local manufacturers of illicit arms and ammunition and dangerous weapons by all means.