Police intercept 488 AK-47 rifles, arrest 2,000 suspects

The Federal Capital Territory  Police Command has intercepted a large cache of live ammunition cleverly concealed in jerrycans filled with palm oil and arrested a suspect linked to the smuggling operation.

The breakthrough came after operatives from the Nyanya Division, in collaboration with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, apprehended Nuhu Aminu, a 32-year-old man from Katsina State, at the Nyanya bus terminal.

A statement on Monday by the command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said upon searching his consignment, officers discovered 488 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition hidden in two 25-litre jerrycans.

She said, “The FCT Police Command, in its unwavering commitment to public safety and proactive crime prevention, has intercepted a major illegal ammunition shipment and apprehended a suspect in connection with the crime.

“Acting in synergy with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, police operatives from the Nyanya Division, FCT Command, tracked and arrested Nuhu Aminu, a 32-year-old man from Katsina State, at the Nyanya bus terminal on March 24, 2025.

“The suspect was caught in possession of 488 AK-47 live rounds of ammunition, ingeniously concealed in two 25-litre jerrycans filled with palm oil to evade detection.”

She said during interrogation, Aminu confessed that he had been recruited by Yakubu Kachalla, a resident of Funtua, Katsina State.

Adeh said he revealed that he was paid N100,000 to collect the illegal cargo from an unidentified contact in Nasarawa State and deliver it to Katsina.

She said, “Upon interrogation, Aminu confessed that he was recruited by one Yakubu Kachalla of Funtua, Katsina State, who allegedly paid him N100,000 to collect the illegal cargo from an unidentified contact in Nasarawa State and deliver it to Katsina.

“This arrest highlights the relentless efforts of the FCT Police Command in dismantling criminal networks and preventing the proliferation of illegal arms that fuel violent crimes. The suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and uncover the full extent of this arms-smuggling operation.”

She assured residents that investigations are ongoing to track down Aminu’s accomplices and dismantle the arms smuggling network.

“The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), FCT Command, DCP Isyaku Sharu, urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. The Command remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of all citizens and will not relent in its fight against crime,” Adeh added.

Meanwhile, the police have said over 2,300 arrests were recorded in various operations conducted across the country from February 2025 to date.

A breakdown of the figure showed that 602 were armed robbery suspects, 385 kidnapping suspects, 557 murder/homicide suspects, 215 individuals involved in unlawful possession of firearms, 286 rape suspects, and 276 suspected cultists.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi said operatives also recovered 333 firearms, 6,422 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, and 200 stolen vehicles.

He added that a total of 324 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued during these operations.

Adejobi said, “Focusing on operations conducted from February 2025 to date, the Nigeria Police Force has made substantial progress in combating crime across the nation. Numerous arrests were made in connection with various heinous crimes.

“The Force recorded the arrest of 602 armed robbery suspects, 385 kidnapping suspects, 557 Murder/homicide suspects, 215 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 286 rape suspects, 276 suspected cultists and recovery of 333 various firearms, 6422 ammunition of various calibres. The Force was also able to recover 200 stolen vehicles and rescue 324 victims of kidnapping.

“On display in today’s briefing are several exhibits connected to these crimes, including, 89 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, 6 AK-47 rifles, 1 AK-49 Rifle, 1 Israeli Pump action rifle, 2 pump action rifles, 1 single barrel rifle.”