An Algerian national has confessed to supplying arms to bandits operating across Nigeria’s northwestern states for eight years, according to the Zamfara State Police Command.
Zamfara Police Commissioner Mohammed Dalijan made the disclosure during a press briefing in Gusau on Tuesday. He revealed that the suspect was apprehended at the Illela border point, where four AK-47 rifles were recovered during his arrest.
“The suspected Algerian told the police he had been committing this crime for eight years,” Dalijan stated, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Dalijan also highlighted the results of recent police operations over the past three weeks, which led to the recovery of 16 AK-47 rifles, a double-barrel gun, and a locally made pistol. These weapons were traced to an arms manufacturer based in Jos, Plateau State.
“The command, acting on intelligence, traced and arrested an arms manufacturer in Jos and tracked and arrested a regional arms trafficker from Algeria,” he said.
In addition to the arrests of the arms trafficker and manufacturer, Dalijan confirmed the detention of several other suspects, including bandits, motorcycle suppliers, and illegal gold miners.
“Police also recovered live ammunition, N2.5 million in cash, and other items from the suspects,” he added.
The commissioner reiterated the federal and state governments’ ban on illegal mining activities, warning violators of severe consequences.
This arrest and subsequent recovery of arms underscore the ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest region, which has been plagued by banditry and other forms of violence.
