A 32-year-old man suspected of supplying ammunition to bandits operating in Zamfara State, identified as Ahmed Abubakar, has been arrested by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command (FCT).
Security and counterinsurgency analyst, Zagazola Makama, disclosed on his verified X account (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, that the suspect was apprehended on December 7 at about 3:30 p.m. by officers of the Mabushi Division, following actionable intelligence.
Abubakar, who currently resides at Anguwan Dodo in Gwagwalada, allegedly reached out to a serving soldier, Corporal Yusuf Mohammed, requesting assistance in sourcing 1,000 rounds of ammunition, reportedly intended for bandit groups in Zamfara State in exchange for cash.
“The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man suspected of attempting to procure ammunition for bandits operating in Zamfara State. Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Ahmed Abubakar of Gusau, Zamfara State, and currently residing at Anguwan Dodo, Gwagwalada, was arrested on December 7 at about 3:30pm by operatives of the Mabushi Division following credible intelligence.
“Sources said the suspect had allegedly contacted a Nigerian Army personnel, Cpl Yusuf Mohammed, to help him procure 1,000 rounds of ammunition, which he claimed were meant for bandits in Zamfara for a monetary reward,” he wrote.
Makama further stated that during interrogation, Abubakar allegedly admitted he was acting on the directives of his uncle, Ahmed Yakubu, who also lives at the same address but has since gone into hiding.
Yakubu was reportedly the one who instructed him to purchase the ammunition and transport it to Zamfara State for use by bandit groups operating in the area.
Makama added that police recovered the sum of N170,100 from the suspect, believed to be part of the money earmarked for the illegal transaction.
“The Command said the suspect is currently in custody undergoing further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down his fleeing accomplice,” he added.
Efforts to obtain a response from the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful, as calls to her phone went unanswered. A text message sent to her had also not been responded to at the time of filing this report.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of persistent bandit attacks and kidnapping incidents within the region.
Recently, the command dismantled a kidnapping syndicate following a raid on their hideout in Ushafa, leading to the rescue of seven abducted victims after a gun battle.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed this in a statement, saying: “On December 5, 2025, the FCT Police Command received a distress report that armed men had invaded a community in Ushafa and abducted several residents.
In a swift response, a joint team comprising operatives of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside personnel of the Army and the DSS, mobilised to the area on 6 December 2025 and immediately commenced a coordinated search operation.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the team traced the suspects through the outskirts of Mpape community and into settlements extending towards Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State.
“Upon sighting the security operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, engaging the team in a fierce gun duel.
“The operatives returned fire with superior force, successfully dislodging the criminals from their hideout and rescuing one victim who was found in their custody.”
What drives someone to risk it all supplying weapons to criminals, and how do you think authorities can effectively tackle rising insecurity in Nigeria? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
