Court Jails Two for 20 Years Over Terrorism, Arms Trafficking

The Federal High Court in Katsina has sentenced two men to 20 years’ imprisonment each after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences linked to illegal arms trafficking.

The convicts, Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, were prosecuted following their arrest by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command in a major arms interception operation carried out in September 2025.

The Nigeria Police Force disclosed the development in a statement signed on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu.

According to the statement, the suspects were intercepted along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road in Katsina State while transporting a cache of prohibited firearms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements.

Recovered during the operation were one PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition, 1,663 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm AK-47 ammunition and the vehicle used to transport the weapons.

The police said investigations culminated in the arraignment of the suspects before the Federal High Court, Katsina Judicial Division, in Charge No. FHC/KT/84C/2025.

They were charged with criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, rendering support to terrorists and acts preparatory to terrorism, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.

Following a full trial, during which the prosecution called witnesses and tendered documentary as well as material exhibits, the court found both defendants guilty on all five counts.

The court subsequently sentenced each of the convicts to five years’ imprisonment on the first count and 20 years’ imprisonment on each of Counts Two, Three, Four and Five.

Commending the outcome of the case, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised the investigators and prosecution team for their diligence and professionalism.

“The Inspector-General of Police commends the professionalism of the investigators and prosecution team whose diligent efforts culminated in the successful conviction,” the statement said.

The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling terrorism, curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and ensuring that those who threaten the nation’s security are brought to justice.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to combating terrorism, disrupting the illicit proliferation of arms, and ensuring that all persons involved in acts threatening Nigeria’s national security are brought to justice,” the statement added.