Abuja man planning to buy ammunition for bandits arrested

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Ahmed Abubakar, for allegedly attempting to procure ammunition for bandits operating in Zamfara State.

Abubakar, reportedly from Gusau but residing in Anguwan Dodo, Gwagwalada, was picked up by operatives of the Mabushi Division on December 7, following what the police described as credible intelligence.

Security expert Zagazola Makama, in a post on X on Tuesday, stated that the suspect had allegedly contacted a serving soldier, Corporal Yusuf Mohammed, to help him source 1,000 rounds of ammunition, purportedly for bandit groups in Zamfara, in exchange for a cash reward.

“The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man suspected of attempting to procure ammunition for bandits operating in Zamfara State. Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Ahmed Abubakar of Gusau, Zamfara State, and currently residing at Anguwan Dodo, Gwagwalada, was arrested on December 7 at about 3:30pm by operatives of the Mabushi Division following credible intelligence.

“Sources said the suspect had allegedly contacted a Nigerian Army personnel, Cpl Yusuf Mohammed, to help him procure 1,000 rounds of ammunition, which he claimed were meant for bandits in Zamfara for a monetary reward,” he wrote.

According to Makama, Abubakar reportedly confessed during interrogation that he was acting on the instructions of his uncle, one Ahmed Yakubu, who lives at the same address but is currently on the run.

Yakubu was said to have instructed him to buy the ammunition and transport it to Zamfara for use by bandits in their area.

Makama added that the police recovered N170,100 from the suspect, believed to be part of the funds intended for the illegal purchase.

“The Command said the suspect is currently in custody undergoing further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down his fleeing accomplice,” he added.

The FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, could not be reached for comments, as calls to her telephone line were not answered. A text message sent to her had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.

The development comes amid recurring attacks and kidnappings carried out by bandits in the area.

PUNCH Metro reported in September that operatives of the Edo State Police Command arrested a 42-year-old man, Ogbole Henry, for alleged possession of arms and ammunition.(Punch)