Ten suspects have been arrested in separate intelligence-led operations by the Nigeria Police Force over alleged involvement in illegal firearms trafficking and criminal activities across several parts of the country.
Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at Force Headquarters carried out the operations, which targeted suspected networks involved in the unlawful procurement, transportation and distribution of firearms.
The largest operation took place across Imo and Rivers states, where eight suspects were arrested over alleged links to a criminal syndicate involved in kidnapping and firearms procurement. One of the suspects, identified as Mohammadu Sani, was arrested on the outskirts of Owerri with an AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that Sani had previously operated in Kogi State before moving to Port Harcourt, where he allegedly attempted to rebuild his criminal network. Investigators also linked members of the group to alleged kidnapping operations in parts of Imo and Rivers states.
The police said the recovered rifle was allegedly obtained through a firearms trafficking intermediary. Investigators are continuing efforts to establish the full structure of the syndicate and identify other individuals connected to the network.
In a separate North-Central operation, police arrested Yakubu Danladi Pam and Abdulsalam Mohammed Hussain over alleged involvement in firearms trafficking. Officers recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a Type 06 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of live ammunition.
Police said preliminary findings suggest the suspects were involved in the movement and distribution of firearms across parts of the North-Central and North-Eastern regions. The Force said operations are continuing to locate other members of the suspected networks and disrupt the supply of weapons linked to violent crimes.
