Police in Kano State have apprehended three suspected arms traffickers and uncovered a significant stash of illegal weapons, marking what officials describe as a crucial step forward in curbing the spread of firearms in the area.
The raid, carried out on April 10 in the Dorayi Babba district of Kano, resulted in the discovery of 15 locally made rifles, 102 live cartridges, and six used ones, which authorities suspect were linked to past criminal incidents.
In a statement released late Sunday, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrests.
The individuals taken into custody were identified as Abdul Sadiq (43), Ahmad Muazu (22), and Aliyu Sharif (40).
“The suspects were caught in possession of a substantial cache of illegal firearms,” said ACP Adejobi.
“Investigators are working to locate the site of manufacture and apprehend other accomplices involved in the operation.”
Police said the operation was based on a tip-off from vigilant residents and was carried out by officers from the Kano State Police Command.
Adejobi noted that this effort is part of a broader national initiative aimed at disrupting the networks responsible for supplying illegal arms and endangering communities.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the prompt response of the officers involved.
He reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to combating the illegal arms trade and other violent crimes across the country.