Arms trafficking ring uncovered: 27-year-old arrested with 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles

DDM News

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a commercial driver over the illegal transportation of 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) corespondents, the arrest occurred in Kaduna State on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Kawo Central Motor Park.

The suspect, Jamilu Suleiman, aged 27, was intercepted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the police force.

According to police, Suleiman was driving a commercial Volkswagen Sharan when the firearms were discovered hidden inside the vehicle.

The police acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of illegal weapons within Kaduna and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

During interrogation, the suspect claimed he received instructions from a person he described as a “union member.”

He said the weapons were to be delivered to an unknown individual somewhere within Kaduna State.

Police have not yet confirmed the identity of the union or the recipient of the firearms.

Investigations are ongoing to uncover the arms trafficking network behind the illegal transportation of the weapons.

The police statement was issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, via the NPF’s official X handle.

The 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles were found fully concealed within compartments of the suspect’s vehicle.

Police believe this method of concealment suggests a high level of planning and criminal sophistication.

Security analysts say fabricated rifles are often assembled locally using parts sourced from illegal or unregulated markets.

Though less reliable than factory-made rifles, these weapons are commonly used by armed groups and criminal gangs.

Nigeria continues to face challenges from the widespread distribution of illegal firearms across its borders and within communities.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the role of transport syndicates in facilitating the movement of illegal arms.

Kaduna State has remained one of the regions most affected by armed violence and organized criminal activity in recent years.

Illegal weapons contribute to the high rate of kidnappings, communal clashes, and bandit attacks across the region.

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a manhunt to locate the alleged union member and the intended recipient.

Authorities say Suleiman provided more useful information that could help in arresting other members of the syndicate.

The police intend to charge Suleiman to court upon completion of the ongoing investigation.

They are also working to trace the origin and supply chain of the fabricated rifles found in his possession.

Police pledged to dismantle the trafficking network and ensure all collaborators are brought to justice.

This arrest marks a significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to stem the flow of illegal firearms.

The public has been urged to report suspicious activities that may relate to gun-running or other criminal activities.

Authorities say public cooperation remains key to curbing the spread of weapons fueling insecurity across the country.

Nigeria has struggled with arms trafficking due to porous borders and weak enforcement of arms control regulations.

Many weapons enter Nigeria through smuggling routes or are diverted from legitimate security sources.

Some are locally fabricated in informal workshops with limited oversight or regulation.

These weapons often find their way into the hands of insurgents, bandits, and militant groups operating across Nigeria.

Insecurity in the Northwest and Northcentral regions continues to worsen due to the availability of these arms.

Kaduna State, where the seizure occurred, is a known hotspot for violent crime and armed group activity.

Past intelligence reports have linked criminal gangs to motor park networks used for moving contraband across state lines.

Security experts have called for improved surveillance and vetting of commercial transport operators.

The seizure of 21 AK-47 rifles is considered a major breakthrough in anti-trafficking efforts by Nigerian authorities.

Police reiterated their commitment to dismantling syndicates involved in illegal arms trading and organized crime.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to face prosecution for illegal arms transportation and conspiracy.

This case highlights ongoing risks posed by illegal weapons in undermining Nigeria’s national security and public safety.

Below is the screenshot of the statement by the Nigeria Police Force on the issue

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