The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested two suspected gun traffickers accused of attempting to smuggle illicit firearms from the state to Plateau in what security operatives described as part of a wider arms distribution network.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Lawan Shiisu Adam, and made available to Daily Post on Saturday.
According to the statement, the arrests followed actionable intelligence gathered by operatives attached to the Kazaure Divisional Police Headquarters. Officers apprehended 30-year-old Abdulsamad Haruna, a resident of Dansure village via Gwiwa, in Kazaure town while he was transporting a locally-made revolver rifle concealed in a sack.
Subsequent investigations led to the capture of 24-year-old Auwalu Yusuf from Kofar Wambai in Kano State. During a coordinated search, police recovered another locally-made firearm in his possession.
Preliminary findings point to the involvement of an individual based in Sabon Layi, Barikin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, in the illegal arms trade and distribution. The statement added that there are strong indications of links to criminal gangs operating within and beyond Jigawa State.
Both suspects are currently in police custody undergoing discreet questioning, as efforts continue to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate and their potential buyers.
The command pledged to maintain pressure on illegal arms networks undermining the peace and security of Jigawa and neighbouring states.