LAFIA, Nigeria — The Nasarawa State Police Command, Nigeria, has arrested a woman for allegedly transporting 124 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition illegally, marking the second such incident in the state within two months.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramhan Nansel, the State Police Public Relations Officer, announced in a statement that Mrs. Hauwa Sani from Doro village in Katsina State was apprehended alongside a two-year-old child. The arrest took place in Rafin Sanyi village, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was conveying the anti-aircraft ammunition concealed in a gallon of palm oil,” Nansel said. The ammunition was reportedly destined for Katsina State, a region that has faced significant security challenges in recent years.
In addition to the ammunition, police recovered a mobile telephone and 78,500 Nigerian Naira (approximately $85 USD) in cash from the suspect.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Shehu Nadada, has ordered the transfer of both the suspect and the seized items to Force Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation. This move underscores the severity of the case and its potential national security implications.
This arrest comes amid growing concerns about arms trafficking in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and banditry. Anti-aircraft ammunition in civilian hands poses a significant threat to both military and civilian aircraft.
The incident bears striking similarities to an arrest made in Nasarawa State approximately two months ago, where another woman was caught transporting ammunition to Katsina State. These recurring cases suggest a pattern of arms trafficking that authorities are working to disrupt.
Security experts have long warned about the proliferation of heavy weapons in Nigeria, which they say fuels ongoing conflicts in various parts of the country. The use of women and children in arms trafficking operations is a tactic often employed by criminal networks to avoid detection.
The Nigerian government has been intensifying efforts to curb illegal arms trafficking, with increased border surveillance and inter-agency cooperation. However, the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders and the vast territory to be monitored present significant challenges to law enforcement agencies.
As investigations continue, questions remain about the source of the ammunition and the broader network involved in its distribution. The case highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria and the complex nature of arms trafficking in the region.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The command emphasized that combating arms trafficking requires the cooperation of all citizens.
