Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Section have arrested a man identified as Sanda Aliyu in Kaiama Local Government Area for allegedly attempting to procure an AK-47 rifle. The arrest, which took place on August 3, followed actionable intelligence that exposed the illicit arms transaction before its completion.
Intelligence-Led Operation Thwarts Arms Deal
According to a statement from the command's spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police received an intelligence report indicating that Sanda Aliyu was allegedly negotiating with one Aliyu Mohammed, who is currently at large, for the procurement of an AK-47 rifle. Detectives immediately initiated a targeted operation based on the intelligence, resulting in the arrest of Sanda Aliyu before the weapon could be delivered.
During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily admitted his involvement in the transaction and disclosed that N1.6 million had already been paid towards the purchase of the rifle. He further revealed that the purpose of acquiring the firearm was to enable him to rise to the position of a “Boss” within his current kidnapping gang, before ultimately breaking away to establish and lead his own criminal gang.
Investigation Uncovers Wider Criminal Network
SP Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the arrest to newsmen, stating that investigative verification of the transaction has provided further leads into the circumstances surrounding the attempted acquisition. The investigation has identified other persons connected with the illicit arms transaction, established the full extent of the network, and unraveled the broader criminal activities associated with the gang.
The police have not disclosed whether the suspect will be charged in court, but the ongoing investigation aims to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and dismantle the entire criminal network involved in the arms deal.
