Police Arrest 21-Year-Old Female Suspect Over Alleged Ammunition Supply to Terrorists in Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old woman suspected of being an arms trafficker supplying ammunition to terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria.
The suspect, identified as Fatima Salisu, was reportedly en route to deliver a significant cache of ammunition to criminal groups when she was intercepted by security operatives in Lafia, the state capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Superintendent Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing on Thursday, describing it as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb arms proliferation in the region.
According to the police, Salisu, a native of Funtua in Katsina State, was apprehended in the Azuba area of Lafia following credible intelligence. She was allegedly transporting the ammunition through Keana and Doma Local Government Areas, with the final destination believed to be terrorist elements operating in Katsina.
“Acting on an intelligence tip-off, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima J. Mohammed, ordered the immediate deployment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to track and intercept the suspect,” SP Nansel stated.
The operation led to the recovery of a total of 481 rounds of live ammunition. This included 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition—commonly used in AK-47 rifles—and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, typically used in high-caliber military weapons.
Salisu is currently in police custody and undergoing interrogation. Authorities say she is assisting with investigations aimed at uncovering the network of arms suppliers and identifying other suspects involved in the smuggling operation.
The Nasarawa State Police Command described the arrest as a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against illegal arms trafficking and terrorism in the region. SP Nansel reiterated the command’s commitment to restoring security and urged citizens to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely and accurate information.
“This arrest sends a strong message to criminal elements that Nasarawa State will not be a safe haven for illegal activities,” Nansel said. “We remain committed to dismantling all networks threatening the peace and security of the state.”
The development comes amid increasing concerns over the growing involvement of women in terrorism-related logistics, including the smuggling of arms and ammunition across state borders. Security analysts warn that such trends may require a re-evaluation of current surveillance and intelligence strategies.
Investigations are ongoing as the police work to determine the full scope of the operation and any links to organized crime or insurgent groups.
