The Federal Capital Territory Police Command said it arrested a suspect linked to the smuggling a large cache of live ammunition concealed in jerry cans filled with palm oil.
The police said in a statement by the command’s spokesman, Ms Josephine Adeh that the seizure and arrest of the suspect, Mr Nuhu Aminu, were made possible by collaboration between the Nyanya Police Division and the officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The statement said the 32-year-old man from Katsina State was apprehended at the Nyanya bus terminal.
Adeh said when his consignment was searched police operatives discovered 488 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition hidden in two 25-litre jerry cans.
“The FCT Police Command, in its unwavering commitment to public safety and proactive crime prevention, has intercepted a major illegal ammunition shipment and apprehended a suspect in connection with the crime.
“Acting in synergy with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, police operatives from the Nyanya Division, FCT Command, tracked and arrested Nuhu Aminu, a 32-year-old man from Katsina State, at the Nyanya bus terminal on March 24, 2025.
“The suspect was caught in possession of 488 AK-47 live rounds of ammunition, ingeniously concealed in two 25-litre jerry cans filled with palm oil to evade detection.”
She said during interrogation, Aminu confessed that he had been recruited by one Yakubu Kachalla who resides in Funtua, Katsina State.
Adeh said the suspect revealed that he was paid N100, 000 to collect the illegal cargo from an unidentified contact in Nasarawa State and deliver it to Katsina.
“Upon interrogation, Aminu confessed that he was recruited by one Yakubu Kachalla of Funtua, Katsina State, who allegedly paid him N100, 000 to collect the illegal cargo from an unidentified contact in Nasarawa State and deliver it to Katsina.
“This arrest highlights the relentless efforts of the FCT Police Command in dismantling criminal networks and preventing the proliferation of illegal arms that fuel violent crimes. The suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and uncover the full extent of this arms-smuggling operation.”
She assured residents that investigations are ongoing to track down Aminu’s accomplices and dismantle the arms smuggling network.
The statement quoted the deputy commissioner of police (operations), FCT Command, Mr Isyaku Sharu as imploring residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.
The command remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of all citizens and will not relent in its fight against crime,” Adeh added.
