Date: July 4, 2026 l By Kimberly White
Two men have been convicted and sentenced in Katsina State after being found guilty of supplying arms and ammunition to terrorists, in a case the Nigeria Police Force described as a significant breakthrough in its campaign against terrorism financing and arms trafficking.
The convicts, identified as Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, were prosecuted for terrorism-related offences after they were arrested while allegedly transporting prohibited firearms and ammunition intended for criminal elements in Katsina State. Their conviction followed an operation carried out by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command in September 2025.
According to police authorities, the suspects were intercepted along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road in Katsina State while moving a cache of weapons and ammunition. Items reportedly recovered during the operation included one PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition, 1,663 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm AK-47 ammunition, as well as the vehicle used to transport the exhibits.
Following investigations, the two suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court, Katsina Judicial Division, under Charge No. FHC/KT/84C/2025. They were charged on a five-count charge bordering on 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.
After a full trial in which the prosecution presented witnesses and tendered documentary and material evidence, the court found both defendants guilty on all five counts.
The court subsequently sentenced each of the convicts to five years imprisonment on Count One and 20 years imprisonment on each of Counts Two to Five.
The Nigeria Police Force announced the convictions in a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu. In the statement, the police said the judgment reaffirmed the force’s commitment to ensuring that criminal investigations result in successful prosecution and justice.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, also commended the officers and legal team involved in the case, praising their professionalism and diligence in securing the convictions.
According to the statement, the IGP reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to combat terrorism, disrupt the illegal circulation of arms, and ensure that all individuals involved in activities threatening Nigeria’s national security are brought to justice.
The conviction marks another development in the wider efforts by security agencies to dismantle arms trafficking networks and confront terrorism-related crimes in northern Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by banditry and insurgent violence.