By Our Correspondent
The Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG), also known as Askarawa, has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against banditry with the arrest of a suspected ammunition courier linked to notorious bandit kingpins.
Operatives of the CPG attached to Gusau Sector II apprehended a 30-year-old suspect, Abdulrahman Isa of Mashema Village in Zurmi Local Government Area, while allegedly conveying 324 rounds of live ammunition concealed in a gallon of palm oil. The recovered items include 270 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition for AK-47 rifles and 54 rounds of MG NATO ammunition.
The Commandant of the CPG, Dr. Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, AIG (rtd), disclosed that the suspect had been under surveillance for a prolonged period due to his alleged involvement in the illicit transportation of arms and ammunition from Nasarawa State into Zamfara State.
According to him, the suspect had been on the radar of several security agencies, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), over his alleged role in supplying ammunition to notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji and Baleri, who have been linked to a series of violent attacks across several local government areas, particularly Shinkafi, Zurmi, Kaura Namoda, and Birnin Magaji.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect operated under the guise of a commercial motorcycle rider in Nasarawa State to facilitate the movement of ammunition. He reportedly relocated to Toto in Nasarawa State after being warned by a relative, a vigilante member in Zurmi, to desist from criminal activities.
In his confessional statement, the suspect allegedly admitted receiving the consignment from an associate, Abubakar Danfulani, and was instructed to deliver it to a contact in Tsaika Village.
The Commandant stated that the arrest represents a critical step in dismantling supply chains fueling insecurity in Zamfara State. He confirmed that the suspect has been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
The CPG reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to restore peace and security across the state and urged members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing timely and credible information.
It would be recalled that on April 15, 2026, operatives of the CPG arrested one Abubakar Abdullahi Dangulbi, a driver found in possession of improvised explosive devices, including 98 sticks of dynamite, 25 coil detonators, and 25 wire accessories, as well as N13,352,500 intended for delivery to armed bandits in Bindin.
