NSCDC Busts Illegal Arms Factory In Katsina

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Katsina State Command, has uncovered and dismantled a suspected illegal arms fabrication factory in Kore Village, Batagarawa local government area of the State, arresting four suspects in the process.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Buhari Hamisu, disclosed this in statement made available to LEADERSHIP. He said the operation was carried out on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m., following credible intelligence received by the Command.

He explained that the State Commandant, Abbas Dan-Ile Moriki, immediately directed the Special Rapid Response Squad to act on the information while maintaining professionalism and operational standards.

According to the Command, the squad swiftly mobilised to Kore Village along Batsari Road in Batagarawa LGA, where they uncovered and dismantled the illegal facility. The team also seized weapons and various fabrication equipment used in the production of locally made firearms.

The four suspects arrested at the scene were identified as Haruna Lawal, 28; Badamasi Kabiru, 50; Hamza Lawal, 30, and Sagir Abba, 25. They were apprehended inside the facility while engaging in the illegal activity.

Items recovered from the suspects included eight locally made skeletal rifles, five locally made pistol grips, four locally made magazines, one butt of a local rifle, five additional local rifle butts, 20 pieces of locally made magazine parts, and 21 pieces of metal components.

Other exhibits seized included one carbide, one hacksaw, three hammers, one spanner, one plier, one hand-saw, one grinder, two gas cylinders, one welding machine, 24 cash notes, and two motorcycles of Jincheng and Boxer brands.

The NSCDC said the suspects are currently undergoing investigation to uncover other members of the syndicate and identify suspected buyers of the fabricated weapons.

The Command assured that due diligence would be followed in prosecuting the suspects in accordance with the law.

Commandant Moriki reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating illicit arms proliferation and other criminal activities in the state, including vandalism and economic sabotage.

He assured residents of adequate security and vowed that the Corps would not relent in its efforts to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure.

The Commandant also commended members of the public for their continued cooperation and urged them to sustain support to security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence.

He reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to maintaining peace and ensuring a secure environment for the people of Katsina State and Nigeria at large.