Nasarawa Police Intercept Arms-Laden Bus Bound for Kwara, Arrest Two Suspects
The Nasarawa State Police Command has successfully intercepted a commercial vehicle transporting a large cache of sophisticated firearms and ammunition from Benue State to Kwara State, in what authorities describe as a significant breakthrough in the fight against arms trafficking in Nigeria.
The interception occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, June 4, following credible intelligence received by the command. The vehicle, a grey Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AAA 926 XL, was stopped and searched in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
Two suspects were arrested at the scene:
• Lawal Sani, a 40-year-old commercial bus driver from Makwalla, Funtua LGA, Katsina State
• Dahiru Abdullahi, a 75-year-old cattle trader from Angwan Dosa, Kaduna North LGA, Kaduna State
The search revealed a hidden stockpile of arms and ammunition, including:
• 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)
• 3 AK-47 rifles
• 1 TAB 06 rifle
• 1,096 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition
• 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO-calibre ammunition
• 4 empty magazines
According to the Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ranham Nansel, the suspects confessed during interrogation that they were paid ₦500,000 to transport the arms from Benue State to Ilorin, Kwara State.
Authorities suspect that the arms were intended for criminal gangs operating in the North Central region, potentially for use in communal violence, kidnapping, or banditry.
Commissioner of Police Shettima Jauro Mohammed lauded the efforts of the officers involved in the operation and emphasized that Nasarawa State will not serve as a conduit for arms smuggling.
“This interception sends a strong message to criminal networks: Nasarawa is not a safe corridor for illegal weapons or any form of criminal activity,” Mohammed said.
He reassured residents that the command remains committed to dismantling arms trafficking syndicates and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
The two suspects remain in custody as investigations intensify. Police sources say efforts are ongoing to trace the origin of the weapons and identify the intended recipients in Kwara State.
The police are urging the public to assist in the fight against insecurity by reporting suspicious activities. The command has made available several hotlines for citizens to provide tips or information:
📞 08112692680
📞 08032564469
📞 08036157659
📞 08037461715
📞 07032532391
