Nasarawa Police Arrest 21-Year-Old Woman With 481 Rounds
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old woman suspected of trafficking ammunition to terrorist groups in northern Nigeria. The suspect, identified as Fatima Salisu, was caught on Wednesday night while transporting a large cache of ammunition through Azuba, a suburb of Lafia, the state capital.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing on Thursday. According to him, the arrest followed credible intelligence that Salisu, a native of Funtua in Katsina State, was involved in supplying arms to criminal elements in known terror-prone areas.
Swift Action Based on Intelligence
Upon receiving the tip-off, Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, swiftly ordered the deployment of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The unit acted promptly and intercepted the suspect as she attempted to travel through Keana and Doma local government areas en route to her destination in Katsina.
“Our officers conducted the operation with precision,” Nansel said. “They arrested the suspect without any casualties and recovered a total of 481 rounds of ammunition concealed in her luggage.”
Specifically, the items recovered included 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, typically used in AK-47 rifles, and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, which is standard for several military-grade weapons.
Ongoing Interrogation and Investigation
Police have detained the suspect, who is currently undergoing thorough interrogation. Investigators are working to identify others involved in the arms trafficking ring and uncover possible links to terrorist and bandit groups operating in the North Central and North West regions of the country.
“We are following all leads to dismantle the network behind this trafficking attempt,” said Nansel. “This is part of our larger operation aimed at curbing illegal arms movement, which fuels violence and insecurity.”
**Security Experts Applaud Efforts**
Security analysts have praised the police for their proactive response, stressing the importance of intelligence-led operations in the fight against insecurity.
“This arrest shows the value of community intelligence and prompt police action,” said Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim, a security consultant. “It also underscores the dangerous role women can play in smuggling operations, as they are often underestimated.”
Arms Proliferation Threatens Regional Stability
The proliferation of illegal arms remains a major threat to peace and security in Nigeria. Armed banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism continue to plague several states, with weapons often smuggled through porous borders and poorly monitored routes.
Nasarawa, which shares boundaries with Benue, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory, has become a critical transit point for traffickers moving arms into conflict-prone zones.
Police Urge Public Support
The Nasarawa State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to reducing crime and called on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility,” Nansel emphasized. “We encourage the public to stay alert and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station.”
The arrest marks a significant step in the Command’s ongoing effort to improve safety across the state and beyond. Further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days.
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