The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of nine suspects over allegations of gunrunning, drug trafficking, and other criminal offences in different parts of the country.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Benjamin Hundeyin, force spokesperson, said the suspects were arrested by operatives of the intelligence response team (IRT) during coordinated operations.
He said operations led to the rescue of some kidnapped victims and recovery of several dangerous firearms and illicit drugs.
Hundeyin said seven AK-47 rifles, three pump-action rifles, two single-barrel guns, two beretta pistols, four locally fabricated revolver rifles and six live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.
The police spokesman said four magazines, 35 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres, 150 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 24 bags of Indian hemp were also recovered from the suspects.
He said operatives of the IRT on October 26, following an extensive intelligence gathering, arrested a suspect over gunrunning in Adamawa, adding that two beretta pistols, one live ammunition, and two magazines were recovered during the operation.
According to him, investigations had revealed that the suspects were to supply the guns to another individual in a border town between Adamawa and Cameroon.
Hundeyin said further investigation also revealed that the suspect had been in the business of supplying arms for over a year now, noting that efforts are on to arrest his suppliers, accomplices, and to recover other arms and ammunition in their possession.
He said two notorious suspects were also arrested by operatives of the IRT over arms supply following an ongoing investigation.
He said while one of the suspects is an arms supplier, the other is a gun fabricator who facilitates the selling of the arms and ammunition.
Hundeyin said one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, one pop-action rifle, and four live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.
He said both suspects had been in the business of selling arms for over five years and operating within Adamawa and the Cameroonian border.
Hundeyin said operatives of the IRT in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) on November 2, arrested a suspect over drug trafficking in Kaduna after intercepting his vehicle.
According to him, 39 rolls, four packets of tramadol, 326 bottles of codeine, 52 rolls, eight sachets of BP injection syrups, 38 rolls, four sachets of hypnose tablets, and one roll of Indian hemp were recovered from the vehicle.
“Investigation has revealed that the suspect supplies these illicit drugs to bandits within Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states,” he said.
“The suspect also revealed that he got into this business through another individual who is yet to be apprehended, whom he met in Sokoto State, and who pays him for every successful delivery.”
He said operatives of the IRT had also arrested a suspect in possession of 24 bags of Indian hemp, being transported from Akure, Ondo state capital, to Abuja.
He said the suspect, a driver of a vehicle, had stopped at Akure to carry the consignment to Abuja.
“The person that gave him the consignment told him that when he gets to Abuja, he should call a number, and that the person will come and collect the items from him,” the police spokesperson said.
“He was paid N150,000 but based on intelligence, operatives of the IRT intercepted the vehicle, arrested the suspect and recovered 24 bags of Indian hemp from the vehicle.
“His excuse that he didn’t know what was inside, the person that gave him and the person to deliver the items to will not hold water, because there is no ignorance under the law.”
Stay ahead with the latest updates!
Join The Podium Media on WhatsApp for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
Chat with Us on WhatsApp
