Police operatives Command in Kwara State have intercepted planned acquisition of AK-47 rifle by exposed an illicit arms transaction involving two gunrunners: Sanda Aliyu who was allegedly negotiating with one Aliyu Mohammed in Kaiama Local Government Area.
In a statement, the Command’s spokesman, SP Adetoun Ejire-adeyemi stated that
the plot was thwarted following actionable intelligence that exposed an alleged illicit arms transaction before its completion.
The statement recalled, “On 3rd August, 2026, intelligence received by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section indicated that Sanda Aliyu was allegedly negotiating with one Aliyu Mohammed, currently at large, for the procurement of an AK-47 rifle”.
The statement added,
“Detectives immediately initiated a targeted operation around 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 ₦1.6 million had already been paid towards the purchase of the rifle”, according to the police.
The statement further revealed that the purpose of acquiring the firearm was to enable him rise to the position of a “Boss” within his current kidnapping gang, before ultimately breaking away to establish and lead his own criminal gang.
Investigative verification of the transaction has provided further leads into the circumstances surrounding the attempted acquisition and identify other persons connected with the illicit arms transaction, establish the full extent of the network, and unravel the broader criminal activities associated with the gang.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi who acknowledged the strategic policing direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, assured the people of Kwara State that there will be no respite in the ongoing offensive against criminal elements.
