The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation that prevented the weapons from reaching criminal elements.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, the head of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Mustafa Mohammed, confirmed that police operatives intercepted the arms before the suspect could complete the transaction.
“Acting on intelligence, the command intercepted these firearms from a dismissed immigration officer who was attempting to supply them to bandits terrorizing the Abuja-Kaduna forest. This timely intervention prevented the weapons from falling into dangerous hands,” Mohammed said.
Among the recovered weapons was a Scorpion CZ EVO3, a highly advanced automatic firearm equipped with a built-in silencer. Mohammed described it as a deadly weapon capable of single, automatic, and burst fire, with a magazine capacity of 20 to 30 rounds. Authorities also seized 52 rounds of ammunition.
Meanwhile, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, revealed that between January and February 28, 2025, the command arrested 300 suspects as part of an intensified crackdown on crime in the capital.
“In our sustained efforts to rid the FCT of crime, we have conducted a series of intelligence-driven raids, leading to the arrest of 300 suspects, including 59 armed robbers, 10 kidnappers and informants, and 16 cultists. A total of nine armed robbers and seven kidnappers were neutralized,” Disu said.
The police also carried out targeted operations in criminal hideouts across key areas, including Dei-Dei, Karu, Gwarinpa, Jikwoyi, Karimo, and Maitama. Abandoned buildings suspected of harboring criminals have also been placed under continuous surveillance.
The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and pledged to intensify efforts against criminal networks in the region.
