The Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG), locally known as Askarawa, has recorded a momentous breakthrough in its ongoing operations against banditry with the arrest of a suspected ammunition courier linked to notorious bandit kingpins.
A statement signed by the public relations officer of the guard Abubakar A Gumi said operatives of the CPG attached to Gusau Sector II apprehended a 30-year-old suspect who goes by the name AbdulRahman Isa of Mashema village, Zurmi LGA, while conveying 324 live ammunition concealed in a gallon of palm oil.
It said the recovered ammunition includes 270 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition for AK-47 rifles and 54 rounds of MG NATO ammunition.
The Commandant of the CPG, Shehu Muhammad Dalijan AIG (rtd), revealed that the suspect had been under surveillance for a long time due to his involvement in the illicit transportation of arms and ammunition from Nasarawa State into Zamfara State.
He disclosed that the suspect had been on the radar of multiple security agencies, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), owing to his role in supplying ammunition to notorious bandit leaders: Bello Turji and Baleri, who have been responsible for series of violent attacks across several local government areas in the state particularly Shinkafi, Zurmi, Kaura Namoda and Birnin Magaji local government areas.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect operated under the cover of a commercial motorcycle rider in Nasarawa State, using this as a ploy to facilitate the movement of ammunition. Despite earlier warnings from his father’s senior brother who happened to be a vigilante member in Zurmi town by name Maisallah Tsoga, who threatened to kill him if he does not stop his nefarious activities.
Based on the threats he migrated to Nasarawa Toto in Nasarawa State where he pretends to be an okada rider to enable him continue with his criminal activities.
In his confessional statement, the suspect admitted receiving the consignment from an associate identified as Abubakar Danfulani, who instructed him to deliver the exhibits to a contact in Tsaika village.
Addressing the Journalists the Commandant emphasized that the arrest marks a critical step in dismantling the supply chains fueling insecurity in Zamfara State. He assured that the suspect has been handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The Zamfara State Community Protection Guards reaffirm its commitment to working collaboratively with sister security agencies to restore peace and security across the state and urged members of the public to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
It could be recalled that on 15 April, operatives of the CPGs made similar arrests of one Abubakar Abdullahi Dangulbi, a driver loaded with improvised explosive devices that included: 98 dynamite, 25 coil detonators, and 25 wire accessories. These were in addition to the N13, 352, 500. Nigerian currency meant to be delivered to the armed bandits in Bindin.
