Katsina Police Arrest Gun Runners, Recover GPMG and Over 1,200 Rounds of Ammunition

The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a major arms smuggling attempt, dealing a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the region.

At about 4:35 a.m. on Monday, September 1, 2025, officers from the Ingawa Division on patrol along the Ingawa–Karkarku village route intercepted a blue Volkswagen Golf with registration number RSH 528 BY ABJ, which was being used to transport a cache of weapons.

Two suspects, identified as Abdulsalam Muhammad (25) and Aminu Mamman (23)—both residents of Baure Village, Safana Local Government Area—were arrested at the scene.

Recovered from the vehicle were: 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with breach number Z8826, 1,063 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm AK-47 ammunition, 232 rounds of 7.62 x 69mm PKT ammunition

Preliminary investigations revealed that the deadly consignment was being transported from Hadejia, Jigawa State, and was bound for Safana LGA in Katsina State—an area that has witnessed repeated armed attacks in recent years.

Confirming the development in a statement, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, described the operation as a decisive step in dismantling criminal supply chains.

“This operation demonstrates the Katsina State Government’s unwavering commitment to disrupting criminal networks before they can harm innocent citizens,” he said.

He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the final destination of the weapons, identify other members of the smuggling ring, and trace the source of the sophisticated arsenal.

The Katsina State Government commended the vigilance and professionalism of the Police Command and pledged continued support for security agencies in their fight against banditry and armed crime.