By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja, December 16, 2025 — The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing war against gunrunning, arms trafficking, kidnapping, and illicit drug distribution, with the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of high-grade firearms and large quantities of hard drugs across several states.
Addressing journalists at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) Headquarters in Guzape, Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, ANIPR, MIPRA, said the operations were carried out through sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical deployments over the past months.
According to Hundeyin, the operations resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three pump-action rifles, two single-barrel guns, two Beretta pistols, four locally fabricated revolver rifles, six live cartridges, four magazines, 35 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres, and 24 bags of Indian hemp, among other exhibits.
Notorious Gunrunner Arrested in Plateau
In one of the operations, police arrested a suspected gunrunner, Adamu Zaki Babangida, in Plateau State on September 9, 2025, following credible intelligence. A Remington pump-action rifle was recovered from him at the point of arrest. Further investigation led to the recovery of four locally fabricated revolver rifles on October 23, 2025, in another part of the state. Police say efforts are ongoing to dismantle the wider syndicate.
Fake Gun Permit Uncovered
The IRT also arrested Chibuke Nnaji and Joshua Izang, also known as “Buffalo,” for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms. Nnaji was first arrested in Plateau State with a fake gun permit, while investigations revealed Izang as the source of the forged document. A pump-action rifle, two single-barrel guns, and two live cartridges were recovered during the operation.
Arms Supply Ring Busted in Adamawa
On October 26, 2025, operatives arrested Daudume Bayina in Adamawa State, recovering two Beretta pistols, one live round of ammunition, and two magazines. Police investigations revealed that Bayina had been supplying arms for over a year and was attempting to deliver the weapons to a contact near the Cameroon border.
In a related operation, two other suspected arms suppliers, John Magah (45) and Ishaya Stephen (43), were arrested. Recovered from them were an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, a magazine, and live cartridges. Investigators disclosed that Magah is a gun fabricator and that both suspects supplied arms to bandits operating around Adamawa and border communities.
Drug Supply to Bandits Disrupted
In collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), the IRT arrested Ifeanyi Egbeke, 40, in Kaduna State on November 2, 2025, while transporting large quantities of illicit drugs. Items recovered included Tramadol, Codeine syrup, BP Injection syrups, Hypnos tablets, and Indian hemp. The suspect reportedly confessed to supplying the drugs to bandits across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states.
AK-47 Hidden in Millet Bag
Another suspected gunrunner, Salisu Mohammed, also known as “Mande Dawa,” was arrested in Zamfara State with an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 32 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in a 50kg bag of millet. Police said the weapons were meant for delivery to bandits along the Obajana axis of Kogi State.
Trailer Intercepted with 24 Bags of Indian Hemp
Police operatives further intercepted a trailer en route from Lagos to Abuja and arrested its driver, Uchenna Ikpe, after discovering 24 bags of Indian hemp concealed in the vehicle. The suspect claimed he was promised ₦150,000 to deliver the drugs to Abuja. Investigations are ongoing.
Five AK-47 Rifles Recovered in Kaduna
In a separate operation, operatives arrested Yunana Iliya, also known as “Bado,” 34, in Kaduna State. Five AK-47 rifles and 150 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to involvement in arms dealing, kidnapping, and supplying weapons to bandits, alongside three accomplices who are currently at large.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to National Security
CSP Hundeyin reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to strengthen intelligence-led policing and collaboration with sister security agencies to combat violent crime nationwide.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the rule of law, protect lives and property, and ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he said, adding that further developments on the cases would be communicated as investigations progress.
