Police operatives in Nasarawa State have intercepted two female suspects allegedly transporting 551 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and 10 loaded magazines during a security operation.
LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE — Police operatives in Nasarawa State have intercepted two female suspects allegedly transporting a large cache of ammunition, including 551 rounds of AK-47 bullets and 10 fully loaded magazines, in what authorities describe as a significant breakthrough in the fight against the proliferation of illegal arms.
The suspects were arrested during a routine security operation carried out by law enforcement officers in the state. According to security sources, the interception forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the movement of illegal weapons and dismantle criminal supply networks operating within Nasarawa and neighbouring states.
In addition to the AK-47 ammunition, security operatives reportedly recovered other rounds of ammunition whose exact quantity and type are yet to be disclosed.
The two women are currently in police custody, while investigators work to determine the origin of the ammunition, the identities of those behind the operation and the intended destination of the weapons.
The latest interception comes amid heightened security operations across Nasarawa State and the North-Central region, where security agencies have stepped up surveillance along major highways and border communities.
Authorities say the increasing movement of illegal firearms and ammunition has contributed significantly to insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and attacks on rural communities.
Security experts believe that intercepting weapons before they reach criminal groups is critical to weakening their operational capacity and preventing future attacks.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the suspects are linked to wider arms-trafficking networks operating across state boundaries.
Nasarawa State shares borders with the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kogi and Taraba states, making it a strategic transit route for both legitimate trade and criminal activities.
In recent years, security agencies have recorded several cases involving the movement of illegal firearms and ammunition through communities along major transport corridors.
Experts warn that the unchecked circulation of weapons continues to fuel violent crimes and poses a serious threat to national security.
They have called for stronger intelligence sharing, improved border surveillance and greater collaboration between local communities and security agencies to curb the spread of illicit arms.
Police authorities have not yet released the identities of the suspects or disclosed where the ammunition was intercepted.
However, investigators are expected to interrogate the suspects to uncover those responsible for supplying the weapons and identify any criminal networks involved.
Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security across the state and prevent illegal weapons from falling into the hands of criminal elements.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more details emerge.
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