The Zamfara State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Dalijan, has announced the arrest of a 58-year-old Algerian arms trafficker who admitted to supplying weapons to bandits in Nigeria’s northwest region for the past eight years. The suspect was apprehended at the Illela border post in possession of four AK-47 rifles.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Dalijan detailed the results of recent police operations, which spanned three weeks. These raids led to the seizure of 16 AK-47 rifles, a double-barrel gun, a locally made pistol, and various live ammunition from an arms manufacturer based in Jos, Plateau State. The police also recovered ₦2.5 million in cash from the suspects.

In addition to the Algerian trafficker, the police arrested several other suspects, including individuals involved in illegal gold mining, motorcycle supply to bandits, and other criminal activities. Dalijan reiterated the government’s ban on illegal mining activities, warning of severe consequences for violators.

“The Algerian suspect confessed to being involved in arms trafficking for eight years,” Dalijan disclosed. He further explained that the arrest was facilitated by intelligence that led to the capture of both the Algerian suspect and an arms manufacturer in Jos.

These developments highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb banditry and related crimes in the northwest region. Dalijan affirmed the police command’s commitment to combating criminal networks supplying arms and supporting bandit activities, emphasizing that the crackdown will continue.