Police nab arms trafficker in Zamfara

Abdullateef Fowewe

Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a suspect caught smuggling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles along a major highway, underscoring their ongoing crackdown on illegal firearms.

In a statement released Wednesday, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer, detailed the operation.

“On 11th January, 2026, at about 1200 hours, operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol (SHP) attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) of the Command, while on routine stop-and-search duties at a point between Kotorkoshi and Tazame areas along the Gusau–Funtua Highway, intercepted a Golf vehicle with registration number ABUJA KUJ 893 CK,” the statement reads partly.

The driver, Samaila Na’ibi, a male from Kuya Village in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was arrested in possession of the rifles hidden inside a sack.

The vehicle was driven by Samaila Aminu from Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State.

CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, the Commissioner of Police, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to security.

“CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, psc+, reassured the good people of Zamfara State of the Command commitment to preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms and ensuring sustained peace and security across the State,” it added.

Police impounded the vehicle and took the suspects and exhibits to Kotorkoshi Divisional Police Headquarters.

They will soon transfer everything to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further probe, followed by legal action.

The statement concluded with a public appeal, “The Command reassured its firm resolve to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms and other criminal activities in the State. Members of the public are urged to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to enhance public safety.”