The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 58-year-old Algerian national for alleged involvement in trans border arms trafficking. The arrest, which occurred at the Illela border point, was part of a series of raids conducted over the past three weeks.
During the operation, police recovered 16 AK-47 rifles, a double-barrel shotgun, and a locally made pistol, according to the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, who disclosed the development in Gusau on Tuesday.
The Algerian suspect reportedly admitted to an eight-year career in arms trafficking, supplying weapons and ammunition to bandits operating across the northwestern states of Nigeria. At the time of his arrest, authorities seized four AK-47 rifles from him.
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Further investigations led to the detention of an arms manufacturer in Jos, Plateau State, as well as several other suspects, including bandits and motorcycle suppliers. Police also confiscated live ammunition, N2.5 million cash, and other items.
In another operation, officers detained illegal gold miners and impounded mining excavators, as part of efforts to curb criminal activities linked to resource exploitation.
Commissioner Dalijan reaffirmed the commitment of the Zamfara police to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety in the region.
Zamfara State has been at the center of a growing crisis characterized by rampant banditry, kidnappings for ransom, and clashes between armed groups. The state has witnessed an alarming rise in violent incidents over recent years, making it one of the most challenging areas for security forces.
The involvement of foreign nationals in arms trafficking exacerbates these issues, as it complicates efforts to combat organized crime. The Nigerian government has been under pressure to address these security challenges effectively.
The arrest of the Algerian arms dealer is seen as part of a larger strategy to tackle not only local criminal elements but also international networks that supply weapons to these groups.
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