The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of Taimako Mato, a suspected weapons handling instructor for the Boko Haram terrorist group, along with four accomplices John Danladi, Mohammed Munkail, Manasseh William, and Muhammadu Haddi.
The arrests took place in Bauchi and Plateau states, where the suspects are believed to be part of a gunrunning syndicate.
In a statement released on Tuesday, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi detailed the seizure of significant weaponry during the operation. The suspects were found with a PKT machine gun, 40 rounds of 37.2mm ammunition, and 95 rounds of 62mm cartridge ammunition. Taimako Mato, the alleged leader of the group, reportedly procured these prohibited weapons for distribution to other members of the syndicate for sale to various buyers.
Over the past month, the police have made substantial arrests, including 295 suspected armed robbers, 186 kidnappers, 271 murder suspects, and 71 individuals for unlawful possession of firearms.
Additionally, 199 suspects were apprehended for sexual-related offenses, 143 for cultism, and a total of 1,575 for various other crimes. The police also recovered 185 firearms, over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, and rescued 129 kidnapped victims.
The NPF also reiterated its commitment to reducing crime across the country and will continue its efforts to ensure public safety.
