Katsina Court Slams 20-Year Prison Sentence on Two Notorious Arms Traffickers

The Federal High Court in Katsina has handed down a significant verdict, sentencing two individuals, Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, to over 20 years in prison for their involvement in terrorism-related offenses. According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, the convicts were arrested in September 2025 by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command. The arrest occurred along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road, where the suspects were found transporting a large cache of prohibited firearms and ammunition, allegedly intended for criminal elements. The recovered exhibits included one PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition, and 1,663 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm AK-47 ammunition, as well as the vehicle used for transporting the weapons. Following a thorough investigation, the suspects were charged before the Federal High Court, Katsina Judicial Division, with a five-count charge that included criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, supporting terrorists, and acts preparatory to terrorism. These charges contravened the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act. After a comprehensive trial, during which the prosecution presented witnesses and tendered both documentary and material exhibits, the suspects were found guilty on all counts. Consequently, the court sentenced each convict to five years imprisonment on the first count and 20 years imprisonment on each of the remaining counts. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the investigators and prosecution team for their efforts, stating that this successful prosecution demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to combating terrorism and arms trafficking. Disu reiterated the force's resolve to ensure that all individuals involved in acts threatening Nigeria's national security are brought to justice.