Court Sentences Three to 10 Years for Arms Trafficking

A chief magistrate court in Jalingo, Taraba State, sentenced three individuals—Sakina Garba, Ali Gono, and Ibrahim Abdulrashid—to 10 years in prison for arms trafficking, with no option for a fine. Their arrests occurred in January and February 2026, following an operation by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Halima Haliru Umar, the only woman among the convicts, was also arrested by DSS operatives in Abuja for pleading guilty to illegal possession of 302 rounds of live ammunition. The DSS operation revealed a plan to transport arms to bandit kingpins in Bantaj village, Wukari LGA, Taraba State.

The suspects were intercepted along the Wukari-Jalingo road, where they concealed two sacks containing food items and firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and various rounds of ammunition. Justice Haywa Joseph Yilwatda adjourned the matter until May 8, 2025, for further proceedings.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of the DSS to disrupt arms supply chains linked to banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.