Woman gets 10 years for supplying arms to Nigerian bandits

A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced Raya Haruna to ten years imprisonment for transporting arms and ammunition to bandits in northern Nigeria. The court found her guilty on three counts related to the unlawful movement of firearms and providing logistical support to criminal groups.

Justice Simon Amobeda stated that while Haruna may not have directly participated in attacks, her role as an arms courier was crucial in sustaining the activities of bandits and terrorists. The judge emphasized that the movement of weapons is a critical link in terrorist operations, enabling attacks that cause death, injury, and destruction.

The charges fall under the Firearms Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. This legislation criminalizes the unlawful possession, movement, and supply of firearms, as well as providing material support to terrorist groups. Haruna was arrested in 2024 during an operation to disrupt weapon movement to bandits terrorizing communities in Kano and neighboring areas.

Justice Amobeda sentenced Haruna to 10 years imprisonment without the option of a fine on each count, with sentences running concurrently from her arrest date. The court also ordered recovered arms and ammunition to be handed over to the Department of State Services and directed that Haruna undergo rehabilitation programs during her incarceration.

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Transportation of weapons and ammunition is a critical link in the chain of terrorist operations that enables them to carry out attacks that result in death, injuries and widespread destruction.