Police operatives in Jigawa State have intercepted two suspected gunrunners attempting to traffic locally made firearms into Kano State.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, the first arrest occurred on July 8, 2025, at about 6:00 am.

He said officers from the Kazaure Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended 30-year-old Abdussamad Haruna from Dansure village via Gwiwa, in Kazaure town.

Haruna was intercepted while trying to smuggle a rifle into Kano State.

“Upon his arrest, a thorough search was conducted, leading to the recovery of one locally made revolver rifle concealed in a sack,” SP Shiisu said.

Less than two weeks later, on July 20 at about 12:30 pm, police also arrested another suspect, 24-year-old Auwalu Yusuf of Kofar Wambai, Kano State. Officers recovered another locally made rifle from him during the operation.

A preliminary investigation has since uncovered a troubling link – both suspects may be tied to a wider arms trafficking network with origins in Sabon Layi, Barikin Ladi, Plateau State.

Authorities believe that the syndicate is involved in supplying illegal weapons to criminal elements across Kano and Jigawa States.

Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members of the syndicate.