Police nab suspected female gunrunner, drug traffickers in nationwide crackdown

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully apprehended individuals involved in arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and currency counterfeiting as part of an intensified effort to dismantle criminal networks across the country.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that these arrests resulted from tactical operations conducted by the Force Intelligence Department-Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS).

One of the significant breakthroughs occurred on December 23, 2024, when police operatives intercepted a 30-year-old woman, Hauwa Sani, along the Keffi/Abuja Expressway. Details about the specific charges against her and the full extent of the seizures are yet to be released.

READ ALSO: Delta police kill 4 suspected kidnappers, recover AK-47 rifle

Sani, a resident of Doro Village was found in possession of 124 rounds of live ammunition hidden inside a five-litre container of palm oil.

During interrogation, she confessed that she was acting on the orders of certain Nasiru of Daura, who had tasked her with delivering the ammunition to Katsina State.

The police image maker noted that further investigations led to additional arrests and recoveries.

“Citizens are urged to be wary and remain conscious of the antics of these smugglers. Suspicious items should be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities,” Adejobi said.

In another major operation on February 1, 2025, operatives of the FID-STS arrested three suspected drug traffickers in Potiskum, Yobe State.

The suspects, identified as Alhaji Usman Yahaya, 50; Joseph Matthew, 27; and Solomon Bala, 25, were intercepted while transporting 30 cartons of codeine syrup and various hard drugs.

According to the police, the suspects admitted that the drugs were meant for supply to bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and kidnappers operating in Yobe State and neighbouring countries.

The crackdown continued on February 3, 2025, when operatives arrested three men identified as Yusuf Dantani, 24; Usman Labaran, 32; and Musa Mohammed, 23 who were found in possession of 10 AK-47 rifles.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being involved in multiple arms deals, revealing that they had received ₦3,980,000 as payment for their latest batch of weapons.

Police emphasised that these arrests demonstrated its commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises and ensuring national security.

“These successful operations highlight the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to proactively combat crime, disrupt criminal networks, and ensure the safety and security of all citizens,” the statement read.

It further urged the public to support their efforts by providing timely and accurate information that could aid crime prevention and detection.