The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a major illegal arms syndicate in Kano State, arresting three suspected arms dealers and recovering a significant cache of locally fabricated weapons and ammunition.
The arrests were made on Wednesday, April 10, 2025, in the Dorayi Babba area of Kano, following a credible intelligence tip-off. Officers from the Kano State Command swiftly mobilized and apprehended the suspects, seizing 15 locally manufactured rifles, 102 live cartridges, and six expended shells believed to have been used in prior criminal activities.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the development in a press statement released on Sunday evening.
He disclosed that the suspects—identified as Abdul Sadiq (43), Ahmad Muazu (22), and Aliyu Sharif (40)—were found in possession of a “substantial cache of illegal firearms” at the time of their arrest.
According to Adejobi, investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the weapons and uncover the location of the suspected arms factory linked to the trio.
“Investigators are working to locate the site of manufacture and apprehend other accomplices involved in the operation,” he said.
The arrest of the suspects and seizure of arms is being hailed as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curtail the spread of illicit weapons in Nigeria, particularly amid rising security challenges in several parts of the country.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives involved in the operation, describing it as a vital step in the nationwide crackdown on the illegal arms trade.
He reiterated the Force’s commitment to intensifying its efforts to eliminate threats posed by the proliferation of weapons.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect lives and property and to combat the menace of illegal arms that fuel violent crimes across the country,” IGP Egbetokun stated.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
Authorities are also appealing to the public to support security agencies with useful information that can help track down illegal arms dealers and dismantle their networks.
This latest breakthrough adds to recent successes recorded by the police in their fight against crime and reinforces efforts to improve safety and security nationwide.
