The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has secured the conviction of two men for terrorism-related offences following their arrest in a major arms trafficking operation in Katsina State, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and illegal arms proliferation.
The Force disclosed on Friday, July 3, 2026, that the convicts, 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 large cache of prohibited firearms and ammunition allegedly meant for criminal elements.
According to the police, items recovered during the operation 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 transport 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.
The charges were filed under the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.
The police said the prosecution presented witnesses alongside documentary and material evidence during the trial, leading the court to convict both defendants on all five counts.
The court sentenced each of the convicts to five years’ imprisonment on the first count and 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the remaining four counts.
Reacting to the judgment, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the investigators and prosecution team for their professionalism and diligence, which he said ensured the successful prosecution of the case.
The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intensifying efforts against terrorism, curbing the illegal circulation of firearms, and ensuring that individuals involved in activities threatening Nigeria’s national security are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.
