By our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of two men for terrorism-related offences following their prosecution over a major arms trafficking operation in Katsina State, marking another milestone in the Force’s efforts to combat terrorism and illicit arms proliferation.
The convicted persons, Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, were arrested by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command in September 2025 along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road while transporting a cache of prohibited firearms and ammunition allegedly meant for criminal elements.
Items recovered from the suspects included one PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition, 1,663 rounds of 7.62mm × 39mm AK-47 ammunition, as well as the vehicle used to convey the weapons.
Following investigations, the suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court, Katsina Judicial Division, in Charge No. FHC/KT/84C/2025 on a five-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, rendering support to terrorists, and acts preparatory to terrorism, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.
After a full trial, during which the prosecution presented witnesses and tendered documentary and material exhibits, the court found both defendants guilty on all five counts.
The court subsequently sentenced each of the convicts to five years’ imprisonment on Count One and 20 years’ imprisonment on each of Counts Two, Three, Four and Five.
Reacting to the judgment, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the investigators and prosecution team for their professionalism and diligence, which led to the successful prosecution of the case.
The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intensifying efforts against terrorism, disrupting the illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition, and ensuring that all those involved in activities threatening Nigeria’s national security are brought to justice.
The Force said the conviction underscores its resolve to ensure that criminal investigations are diligently pursued through prosecution until justice is served.
