Fifteen pump action rifles were confiscated from suspected gunrunners and dealers by the Niger State Police Command in Minna. Along with the firearms, the authorities also discovered 30 cartridges hidden in a sack in possession of the suspects.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, made this announcement during a press briefing at the police headquarters in Dutsen-Kura Minna on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

According to CP Danmamman, police officers intercepted a vehicle carrying three individuals along the Maikunkele-Tegina road in Minna. Upon questioning, the suspects managed to escape.

During the interrogation, he stated, “On 4/8/2024 at about 1900hrs based on intelligence received, Police patrol team of Anti-Kidnapping Unit attached to SCID Minna, while on routine patrol along Maikunkele-Tegina road Minna intercepted a Toyota Corolla vehicle, red in colour with Reg. No. DKA 877 HJ.”

The CP added, “The vehicle was intercepted with three occupants including the driver, and in the course of interrogation, surprisingly on the guise to ease themselves, the occupants took to their heels and upon the search of the vehicle, fifteen (15) automatic pump action rifles were found with thirty (30) cartridges concealed in a sack in the vehicle.

The police are actively investigating the case in order to identify the vehicle owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects to determine the source and intent of the pump action rifles, with the aim of prosecution.