The Federal Capital Territory  Police Command has intercepted a large cache of live ammunition cleverly concealed in jerrycans filled with palm oil and arrested a suspect linked to the smuggling operation.

The breakthrough came after operatives from the Nyanya Division, in collaboration with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, apprehended Nuhu Aminu, a 32-year-old man from Katsina State, at the Nyanya bus terminal.

A statement on Monday by the command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said upon searching his consignment, officers discovered 488 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition hidden in two 25-litre jerrycans.

She said, “The FCT Police Command, in its unwavering commitment to public safety and proactive crime prevention, has intercepted a major illegal ammunition shipment and apprehended a suspect in connection with the crime.

“Acting in synergy with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, police operatives from the Nyanya Division, FCT Command, tracked and arrested Nuhu Aminu, a 32-year-old man from Katsina State, at the Nyanya bus terminal on March 24, 2025.

“The suspect was caught in possession of 488 AK-47 live rounds of ammunition, ingeniously concealed in two 25-litre jerrycans filled with palm oil to evade detection.”

She said during interrogation, Aminu confessed that he had been recruited by Yakubu Kachalla, a resident of Funtua, Katsina State.

Adeh said he revealed that he was paid N100,000 to collect the illegal cargo from an unidentified contact in Nasarawa State and deliver it to Katsina.

She said, “Upon interrogation, Aminu confessed that he was recruited by one Yakubu Kachalla of Funtua, Katsina State, who allegedly paid him N100,000 to collect the illegal cargo from an unidentified contact in Nasarawa State and deliver it to Katsina.

“This arrest highlights the relentless efforts of the FCT Police Command in dismantling criminal networks and preventing the proliferation of illegal arms that fuel violent crimes. The suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and uncover the full extent of this arms-smuggling operation.”

She assured residents that investigations are ongoing to track down Aminu’s accomplices and dismantle the arms smuggling network.

“The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), FCT Command, DCP Isyaku Sharu, urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. The Command remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of all citizens and will not relent in its fight against crime,” Adeh added.

Meanwhile, the police have said over 2,300 arrests were recorded in various operations conducted across the country from February 2025 to date.

A breakdown of the figure showed that 602 were armed robbery suspects, 385 kidnapping suspects, 557 murder/homicide suspects, 215 individuals involved in unlawful possession of firearms, 286 rape suspects, and 276 suspected cultists.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi said operatives also recovered 333 firearms, 6,422 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, and 200 stolen vehicles.

He added that a total of 324 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued during these operations.

Adejobi said, “Focusing on operations conducted from February 2025 to date, the Nigeria Police Force has made substantial progress in combating crime across the nation. Numerous arrests were made in connection with various heinous crimes.

“The Force recorded the arrest of 602 armed robbery suspects, 385 kidnapping suspects, 557 Murder/homicide suspects, 215 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 286 rape suspects, 276 suspected cultists and recovery of 333 various firearms, 6422 ammunition of various calibres. The Force was also able to recover 200 stolen vehicles and rescue 324 victims of kidnapping.

“On display in today’s briefing are several exhibits connected to these crimes, including, 89 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, 6 AK-47 rifles, 1 AK-49 Rifle, 1 Israeli Pump action rifle, 2 pump action rifles, 1 single barrel rifle.”

The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, has announced the seizure of contraband worth N1,267,504,035 and revenue generation of N275,835,406 in 2024.

Speaking at a press briefing held on Tuesday at the Command’s Idiroko office, the Area Controller, Mohammed Shuaibu, highlighted the achievements recorded by the Command in its fight against smuggling.

According to Shuaibu, the revenue of N275,835,406 was generated through baggage assessments, auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and vehicles.

The seized contraband in 2024 included 16,712 bags of foreign rice (50kg each), 139,881 litres of PMS, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 71 sacks containing 3,253 parcels of cannabis sativa, and 586 bales of used clothing.

Other seized items comprised 86 vehicles used for smuggling, 18 foreign-used vehicles, 2,150 used pneumatic tyres, 760 pieces of donkey skin, 3,766 cartons of poultry products, and 85 bags of flour. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounted to N1,267,504,035.

Shuaibu stated, “These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our officers to combating smuggling activities, protecting the economy, and safeguarding the well-being of society.”

He further disclosed that between January 1 and 27, 2025, the Command recorded additional seizures valued at N77,476,185. Items confiscated within the period included 2,002 bags of smuggled rice (50kg each), 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, and 6,375 litres of PMS.

“These seizures reflect our relentless efforts to curtail smuggling activities and enforce compliance with customs regulations,” he noted.

In line with inter-agency collaboration, Shuaibu handed over seized drug substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command.

The items included 1,019 coconut-sized parcels of cannabis sativa, 25 book-sized parcels, and 140 bread-sized parcels.

“This handover underscores our commitment to partnering with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking and ensure a safer society,” Shuaibu added.

The Area Controller warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, emphasising that the Command remains resolute in delivering its mandate to protect the economy, ensure security, and contribute to national prosperity in 2025.

He urged the public to support the Nigeria Customs Service by providing timely and credible information to combat smuggling and economic crimes.

“Together, we can build a prosperous nation where compliance is the norm, and criminality has no place,” he said.

Shuaibu also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, while commending the professionalism and dedication of officers under his command.

He encouraged them to “intensify efforts to safeguard the country’s borders in the new year 2025.”

Troops of 1 Brigade of the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday intercepted cache of arms abandoned by fleeing terrorists in the Kaura Namoda local government area of Zamfara State.

The Coordinator, Join Media Coordinator Center, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, in a statement on Tuesday said the operation was based on intelligence regarding suspected arms dealers operating from Niger Republic.

The statement said the troops launched a covert operation to track the suspects, resulting in a pursuit along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi Road.

He added that the suspects attempted to escape by diverting their vehicle into the bush but were forced to abandon it after being engaged by the troops.

The Director said subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 2 PKT machine guns, 9 AK-47 rifles, 13 magazines, 171 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 9 rounds of PKT ammunition.

Lt.-Col. Abdullahi however, added that the troops are actively in the pursuit of fugitive terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, assuring that the military personnel are

“Meanwhile, the troops are actively pursuing the wanted terrorist Bello Turji, who remains at large, evading capture by moving from hideout to hideout. We assure the public that our troops are tirelessly working to apprehend him “as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”

The statement expressed deep appreciation for the concern of the public concern regarding Turji and urged locals to continue their support and cooperation by giving any information that may assist in the military efforts.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have intercepted a white Peugeot 15 bus with Reg. No. KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route with 59 children suspected to have been trafficked from Kano.

The police operatives, led by deputy superintendent of police Sarki Umar, intercepted them on January 6, 2025, at about 3:30 p.m., along the Abuja-Kano route, heading to Nasarawa State.

The police said the kids, aged between four and 12, came from different families and were being transported by one Idris Usman to a male resident of Nasarawa State.

The commissioner of police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, said some arrests have been made, and the police will ensure that the children are returned and reunited with their families.

He also said the driver, Usman, who claims to be a teacher with over 40 years of experience, travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.

The vehicle‘s driver operates with his motor boy, Al Hassan Ibrahim, who is also from Kano State.

The FCT police commissioner said, “This incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.

“The suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation is underway.

The Police Command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice.

“I want to reiterate our commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse in line with the Child‘s Rights Act 2003. We appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.“