Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major legal victory in its campaign against terrorism, securing the conviction of two men arrested for trafficking prohibited firearms and ammunition allegedly meant for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The convicts, Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, were sentenced by the Federal High Court, Katsina Judicial Division, after being found guilty of terrorism-related offences following their arrest in September 2025.
According to the Force, the suspects were intercepted by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road while transporting a cache of prohibited weapons and ammunition. Recovered during the operation were 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 exhibits.
The Police said investigations led to the arraignment of the suspects before the Federal High Court 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 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.
Following the trial, during which prosecutors presented witnesses and tendered documentary and material evidence, the court convicted both defendants on all five counts.
The court sentenced each of the convicts to five years’ imprisonment on Count One and 20 years’ imprisonment on each of Counts Two to Five.
Commending the investigators and prosecution team for securing the conviction, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the judgment underscores the Force’s resolve to ensure that criminal investigations result in successful prosecution and justice.
The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to dismantling arms trafficking networks, combating terrorism and ensuring that individuals involved in activities threatening the nation’s security are brought to justice.
