By our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Force Headquarters, has arrested 10 suspects in separate intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks allegedly involved in the unlawful possession, trafficking and distribution of firearms across parts of the country.
In one of the operations conducted across Imo and Rivers States, eight suspects were arrested in connection with a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping and illegal firearms procurement. The operation led to the arrest of Mohammadu Sani, identified as the principal suspect, on the outskirts of Owerri, Imo State, where an AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from him.
According to the Police, preliminary investigations revealed that Sani had previously operated in Kogi State before relocating to Port Harcourt, where he allegedly began efforts to reconstitute his criminal network. Findings also allegedly linked members of the syndicate to kidnapping operations in parts of Rivers and Imo States, while the recovered firearm was reportedly procured through an alleged firearms trafficking intermediary.
In a separate operation targeting a suspected firearms trafficking syndicate in the North-Central region, operatives arrested Yakubu Danladi Pam and Abdulsalam Mohammed Hussain. The operation led to the recovery of one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one Type 06 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of live ammunition.
The Police said preliminary investigation indicates that the two suspects were involved in the supply, transportation and distribution of firearms across parts of the North-Central and North-Eastern regions.
The Nigeria Police Force said it has intensified efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicates and further disrupt the illegal movement of firearms allegedly used to facilitate violent crimes.
