Nigerien National Remanded Over Alleged AK-47 Ammunition Supply for Terrorists in Katsina

BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a Nigerien national, Muhammad Ibrahim, at the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he transported 170 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition to Katsina State for terrorist activities.

Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order on Friday after the defendant pleaded not guilty to four charges, including terrorism-related offences, alleged support for terrorist groups and the fraudulent acquisition of a Nigerian National Identification Number (NIN).

Ibrahim was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), also known as the State Security Service (SSS). Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Abdulazeez Saidu, asked the court to keep him in custody pending trial. His defence lawyer, Kauna Penzin, told the court that he had no objection to the arraignment.

The judge subsequently ordered the defendant’s remand and adjourned the case until November 16 for the commencement of trial.

According to the prosecution, Ibrahim allegedly transported and delivered 170 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, concealed inside a cooler, to a man identified as Imrana Halilu in Dankama village, Katsina State, in February 2025.

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The charge stated that the defendant resided in Madawa Uwala, near Jihar Tawa School in the Republic of Niger, before allegedly conveying the ammunition into Nigeria.

In another count, the prosecution accused him of providing logistical support to terrorist groups. He was also accused of withholding information about alleged gunrunning activities from law enforcement and security agencies despite allegedly possessing information that could assist in identifying, arresting and prosecuting those involved.

The fourth charge centres on the alleged fraudulent acquisition of a Nigerian identity card issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), through a National Identification Number.

The prosecution linked the alleged offences to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

However, Ibrahim denied all four charges, meaning the allegations remain unproven as the case proceeds to trial.

The case comes against the backdrop of persistent security concerns in Katsina State and other parts of north-western Nigeria, where authorities have continued efforts to tackle armed groups, weapons trafficking and the supply networks suspected of sustaining violent attacks.

The court is expected to begin hearing the case on November 16, when the prosecution will have the opportunity to present its evidence against the defendant.