The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of two men for terrorism-related offences following their arrest in a major arms trafficking operation in Katsina State, with the Federal High Court sentencing them to 20 years’ imprisonment on multiple counts.
The Force said the conviction underscores its commitment to ensuring that criminal investigations lead to successful prosecution and justice.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the convicts, Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, were arrested in September 2025 by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road while allegedly transporting prohibited firearms and ammunition intended for criminal elements.
Police said officers recovered a PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition, 1,663 rounds of 7.62mm × 39mm AK-47 ammunition, as well as the vehicle used to transport the weapons.
Following investigations, the suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court, Katsina Judicial Division, in Charge No. FHC/KT/84C/2025 on a five-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, rendering support to terrorists, and acts preparatory to terrorism, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.
Police said the prosecution presented witnesses alongside documentary and material exhibits during the trial, after which the court found both defendants guilty on all five counts.
“The Court consequently sentenced each convict to five years’ imprisonment on Count One and twenty years’ imprisonment on each of Counts Two to Five,” the statement said.
Commending the outcome of the case, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised the investigators and prosecution team for their professionalism.
“The Inspector-General of Police commends the professionalism of the investigators and prosecution team whose diligent efforts culminated in the successful conviction. He reiterates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating terrorism, disrupting the illicit proliferation of arms, and ensuring that all persons involved in acts threatening Nigeria’s national security are brought to justice,” the statement added.
The conviction follows the September 2025 interception of the suspects in Katsina State, an operation that police described as a significant breakthrough in efforts to stem the illegal movement of weapons believed to be destined for terrorist and other criminal groups operating in parts of northern Nigeria.
The judgment represents another milestone in the Force’s campaign against terrorism financing, arms trafficking, and other offences threatening national security. #Securitynewsalert.com
