Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have uncovered a suspected bandits’ hideout in Dajin Madam Forest, located between Plateau and Bauchi states, recovering two FN FAL rifles and a cache of live ammunition during a coordinated security operation. The breakthrough followed weeks of intelligence gathering linked to an investigation into an alleged arms trafficking network supplying weapons to criminal groups.

Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said the operation was carried out by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit on August 2, 2026, after investigators obtained vital information from one of four suspects earlier arrested over the alleged supply of arms, ammunition and illicit substances to bandits. Investigators identified one of the suspects as Musbahu Ishaq, who allegedly sourced weapons from Rabiu Hassan before supplying them to a wanted bandit kingpin, Baba Alhaji Sanusi, believed to be hiding in a forest in Katsina State.

A thorough search of the forest camp led officers to the concealed weapons, including the two assault rifles and live rounds of ammunition. Police said the discovery represents a significant step in disrupting the activities of armed groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria. Investigators are continuing efforts to trace additional weapons connected to the syndicate and dismantle the wider network allegedly involved in supplying arms to bandits.

The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and illegal arms trafficking. Authorities urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing further attacks, while assuring residents that all suspects linked to the case would be brought to justice.