Police captures man for illegal possession of firearm in Niger

Police officials in Niger State have arrested a 40-year-old man at Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of the state for unlawful possession of a firearm, TopNaija reports.

The suspect, Suleiman Abdullahi, was said to have been apprehended with a locally fabricated rifle.

It was learnt that Abdullahi was trailed and arrested by the Safer Highway Patrol team attached to Kagara Division.

The suspect bought the gun for N70,000 through his late elder brother, Sani Abdullahi.

It was gathered that the rifle had 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. He told our correspondent that he bought the gun for hunting and protection of his animals, stating that he did not use it for any other thing.

He said, “I specifically used the gun to hunt. I bought it through my late brother. I don’t even know who sold the gun to him, but I used it for hunting and self-defence.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the development on Saturday, said the suspect had confessed to committing the crime.

Abubakar said, “Police would no longer tolerate unlawful possession of firearms in the state and we have warned people to desist from doing that or face the wrath of law.” He said the suspect would be charged after investigation.