Police Intercept 488 AK-47 Live Ammunition In Palm Oil Jerrycans

Operatives of the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have intercepted a major illegal ammunition shipment and apprehended a suspect with 488 AK-47 live ammunition consealed in palm oil jerrycans.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the police, while acting in synergy with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), tracked and arrested Nuhu Aminu, a 32-year-old man from Katsina State, at the Nyanya bus terminal in Abuja on Monday, March 24, 2025.

“The suspect was caught in possession of 488 AK-47 live rounds of ammunition, ingeniously concealed in two 25-litre jerrycans filled with palm oil to evade detection,” FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stated.

Upon interrogation, Aminu confessed that he was recruited by one Yakubu Kachalla of Funtua, Katsina State, who allegedly paid him ₦100,000 to collect the illegal cargo from an unidentified contact in Nasarawa State and deliver it to Katsina.

The FCT police said: “This arrest highlights the relentless efforts of the command in dismantling criminal networks and preventing the proliferation of illegal arms that fuel violent crimes. The suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and uncover the full extent of this arms-smuggling operation.

“The deputy commissioner of police (Operations), FCT Command, DCP Isyaku Sharu urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. The Command remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of all citizens and will not relent in its fight against crime.”