The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 75-year-old suspected arms trafficker, Dahiru Abdullahi, and his accomplice, Lawal Sani, aged 40, for allegedly smuggling a large cache of firearms and ammunition from Benue State en route to Kwara State.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that the arrest was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following credible intelligence. The operation was executed in Lafia, the state capital, as part of a targeted crackdown on arms trafficking syndicates operating across the North-Central region.
According to police sources, the suspects—Abdullahi, a cattle trader from Kaduna State, and Sani, a commercial driver from Katsina State—were intercepted in a grey Toyota Hiace bus bearing registration number AAA 926 XL. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a significant haul of military-grade weapons and ammunition.
Recovered items include:
- 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)
- 3 AK-47 rifles
- 1 TAB 06 rifle
- 1,096 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition
- 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO calibre ammunition
- 4 empty magazines
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being paid ₦500,000 to deliver the arms to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The police believe the consignment was intended for criminal groups operating across the region, raising fresh concerns about illegal arms circulation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the operatives involved and vowed continued pressure on arms smuggling rings.
“This arrest sends a clear message that Nasarawa State will not be used as a corridor for criminal activity,” the Commissioner said. “We remain resolute in our mission to dismantle illegal arms networks and safeguard the lives and property of our citizens.”
He further stated that the Command has launched a full-scale investigation to track down other members of the network and their financiers.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08112692680, 08032564469, 08036157659, and 07032532391.
This incident adds to a growing list of arms trafficking busts across Nigeria in recent months, as security agencies intensify efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons believed to be fueling violent crimes, banditry, and terrorism.
