Police Arrest Suspected Gunrunners in Katsina

Security forces in Katsina State have recorded another breakthrough in the fight against arms trafficking with the arrest of two suspected gunrunners and the seizure of a large cache of ammunition.

The Katsina police arrest gunrunners operation was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq.

According to the statement, the suspects were intercepted during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Zaria–Funtua Road on January 27, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m.

Police operatives reportedly stopped the suspects while they were riding a motorcycle. A search conducted during the operation led to the discovery of concealed ammunition.

Sadiq stated that officers recovered:

• Six AK-47 magazines
• 305 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the weapons and ammunition from Jos, Plateau State, with the intention of delivering them to a suspected armed bandit leader.

The suspects and all recovered exhibits are currently in police custody as investigations continue to trace the broader network involved in the illegal arms supply.

“The suspects will be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation,” Sadiq said.

Police authorities noted that the arrest followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intensify policing and strengthen security along major transport routes across the country.

The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, commended the officers involved in the operation and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.