Abdullahi Sarki
A suspected gunrunner has allegedly disappeared with ₦95 million after receiving the money from a bandit leader under the guise of supplying firearms in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The revelation was made by Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, popularly known as General, who represents Musawa-Matazu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He disclosed the incident during an interview on NTA Hausa.
According to the lawmaker, the suspect struck a deal with the bandit leader to procure sophisticated weapons for the criminal group. The bandit leader reportedly handed over ₦95 million to facilitate the purchase and delivery of the firearms.
However, instead of fulfilling the agreement, the suspect allegedly absconded with the money and has since gone into hiding, leaving the bandit leader without either the weapons or the cash.
Aliyu cited the incident while discussing the security challenges facing Katsina State, describing it as evidence that criminal networks involved in banditry are increasingly plagued by mistrust and internal deception.
He noted that the alleged case highlights how individuals engaged in illegal arms trafficking and banditry exploit one another for financial gain, even within criminal circles.
The federal lawmaker did not disclose the identities of the suspected gunrunner or the affected bandit leader, nor did he specify when the alleged transaction occurred. He also failed to provide documentary evidence to support the claim during the interview.
As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command and other security agencies had not issued any official statement confirming or denying the alleged incident.
The allegation comes at a time when security forces have intensified operations against bandit enclaves across Katsina State and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups continue to carry out attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and cattle rustling despite sustained military offensives.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that the proliferation of illicit firearms remains a major factor fueling banditry and violent crimes across the region, with security agencies working to dismantle arms trafficking networks supplying criminal groups.
If confirmed, the latest allegation would underscore not only the lucrative nature of the illegal arms trade but also the growing mistrust within criminal circles operating in Nigeria’s troubled North-West.
