The Niger State Police Command tactical team stationed at Gwacipe checking point, along Izom-Suleja road, has arrested seven suspects allegedly for criminal conspiracy, illegal arms dealing, as well as possession of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles.
The state police command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Wasiu Abidoun, said in a press release signed by him and obtained by Newsline crime correspondent yesterday that the police tactical team had, on December 5, 2023, at about 06:20 hrs, encountered four suspected armed men who were on motorcycles with sacks as they attempted to attack the team.
DSP Abidoun disclosed in the press release that the team responded swiftly, and in the process, one Peter Padda, 24 years old, of Sulu village in Gurara LGA, was shot on the leg and was arrested, while three others escaped from the scene into the bush.
According to the PPRO, three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered from their possession.
He said that the suspect, during interrogation, confessed that he was sent by his brother James Padda to purchase the rifles from a local fabricator in Shiroro LGA at the rate of N100,000 each.
The police image maker further disclosed that, in the course of the investigation, six other suspects were arrested by the police as a result of his confession of illegal arms dealing.
The suspects, he said, were James Padda, 30 years old, from Gbakoro village; Isah Audu, 25 years old; Ahmadu, 35 years old, from Gabi village Lapai; Isah Bako, 24 years old; and Rabo, all of Gusoro, Shiroro LGA.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects, according to the press release, were three locally fabricated AK47 rifles, three magazines, one AK47 live ammunition, one local bulletproof vest, and charms. The suspects, according to the release, have been charged to court. The suspects, according to the release, have been charged to the court.