Abuja: Security operatives have apprehended nine suspects linked to a suspected gun-running and arms supply syndicate.
The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and combat organised crime across the region.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said this during a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) during several operations.
He said seven AK-47 rifles, two AK-49 rifles, five Pump action rifles, 15 magazines, one locally fabricated AK-47 Rifle, one locally fabricated short rifle and one locally manufactured pistol were recovered.
The police spokesman said one axe, six machetes, 615 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres, and 14 expended cartridges were also recovered from the suspects.
Hundeyin said about four suspects were arrested over criminal conspiracy, arms dealings and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.
He said the suspects were arrested by IRT operatives on different dates between August 30 and September 9 in Nasarawa and Plateau States, following receipt of credible intelligence.
The police spokesman said the suspects were found in possession of two AK-47 rifles and 21 rounds of live ammunition.
According to him, the police investigation had revealed that the suspects had conspired from 2022 to date to trade approximately 4,940 rounds of live ammunition.
He said efforts were being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate now at large.
Hundeyin said operatives of the IRT had also, in different operations, arrested three suspects over criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.
He said one of the suspects, arrested following a petition from concerned citizens of Nasarawa State, was found in possession of one AK-49 rifle with a magazine without ammunition.
