The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of two men prosecuted for terrorism-related offences following their arrest in a major arms trafficking operation in Katsina State, reinforcing the Force’s commitment to ensuring that criminal investigations result in successful prosecution and justice.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the suspects, 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 destined for criminal elements.
The statement said the operatives recovered 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 comprehensive 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 in which the prosecution presented witnesses and tendered documentary and material evidence, the court found both defendants guilty on all five counts.
The court subsequently sentenced each convict to five years’ imprisonment on Count One and 20 years’ imprisonment on each of Counts Two to Five.
Reacting to the judgment, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, commended the professionalism of the investigators and prosecution team, describing the convictions as a testament to their diligence and commitment.
The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to combat terrorism, disrupt the illicit proliferation of arms and ensure that individuals involved in activities threatening Nigeria’s national security are brought to justice.
