Operatives of the Federal Intelligence and Response Team (FID-IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested five suspects in connection with alleged trans-border gun-running.
The arrest comes after Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun reiterated his directive to law enforcement, urging them, especially tactical units, to intensify efforts to eliminate illegal arms and ammunition in the country and dismantle local manufacturers of illicit firearms.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, identified the arrested suspects as Adamu Noma, Matthew Audu, Andrew Poyi, Aminu Sani, and Aminu Talha. The suspects were apprehended following a tip-off, leading to the recovery of several illegal firearms.
According to Adejobi, “Upon arrest and conducted search, 10 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, 5 Israeli AK-47 rifles, 1 revolver pistol, 1 pump action rifle, 20 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and 1 welding machine for fabrication of rifles were recovered from the suspects.”
He further emphasized that the successful operations, including this arrest, were signs of the current police leadership’s commitment to combatting criminal activities and reducing insecurity across the country.
The police spokesperson commended the operatives for their work and assured the public that the suspects would be charged in court.
When questioned by reporters, Matthew Audu explained that he inherited the gun manufacturing business from his late grandfather and father, claiming that he did not know it was an illegal activity. Another suspect, Andrew Poyi, who acted as a courier for the syndicate, revealed that he charged N5,000 per consignment and was paid N10,000 on the day of his arrest. He also claimed he was unaware that the consignment contained weapons.
ACP Adejobi called on citizens to report individuals involved in such illegal activities in their communities to assist the police in curbing crime.
He also cautioned Nigerians to be cautious when handling consignments for others, stating that ignorance would not be accepted as a defense in criminal cases.
