Katsina arms traffickers bag 20-year jail term

A Federal High Court in Katsina has sentenced two arms traffickers, Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, to over 20 years in prison for terrorism-related offenses. The convictions stem from their arrest in September 2025 by the Katsina State Police Command.

Operatives intercepted the duo along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road while they were transporting a significant cache of prohibited firearms and ammunition. According to a statement from the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, the recovered items included one PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition, and 1,663 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm AK-47 ammunition. The vehicle used in the transportation of these weapons was also seized as evidence.

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Following comprehensive investigations, the suspects were charged 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, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act. After a full trial during which the prosecution presented witnesses and tendered documentary and material exhibits, both suspects were found guilty on all counts. The court consequently sentenced each convict to five years imprisonment on count one and 20 years imprisonment on each of counts two to five.

The suspects faced a five-count charge before the Federal High Court, Katsina Judicial Division. These charges included criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, rendering support to terrorists, and acts preparatory to terrorism, all contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act. Following a full trial, the court found both suspects guilty on all counts.

Each convict received a five-year sentence for count one and a 20-year sentence for each of counts two through five. Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu praised the investigators and prosecution team, highlighting the successful outcome as a demonstration of the Force's dedication to fighting terrorism and illicit arms proliferation. He reiterated the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to bringing all individuals involved in acts threatening national security to justice.

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He reiterates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating terrorism, disrupting the illicit proliferation of arms, and ensuring that all persons involved in acts threatening Nigeria’s national security are brought to justice.